Checking Temperatures

Falconeer999 · 09-13-12, 07:55 AM

I have a 40gal Zilla Critter Cage with a Zoo Med 30-40gal UTH. When applying the UTH, I attached the thermostat probe in the center of the UTH before affixing it to the bottom of the tank. Inside the tank I have a single layer of paper towels and about 1.5 inches of aspen bedding (shavings, not chips).

When checking the temperature with a temperature gun, on the cold side, if I check the temperature at the top, it's 76 degrees, if I push the aspen aside and check the bottom, it's 74 degrees.

On the warm side, if I check the temperature at the top, it's 80-82 degrees, if I check it at the bottom, it's 93 degrees. The thermostat is set at 98 degrees (the 93 degree reading is taken right about where the thermostat probe is). The temperature dissipates fairly quickly as you go out from the center of the heater about 3-4" from the center and it's back to the cold side readings. Is this a sign I need a bigger heater that covers more space (8"x12" - next size up is 8"x18")?

Ambient air temperature in the cage is 76 degrees and drops to about 72 at night.

But, my main question is - should the temperature I'm shooting for (about 90) be measured on the top of the substrate, or at the bottom? The snake (florida kingsnake) spends almost all of his time tunneling under the substrate and is very rarely seen on top. When handling, he feels fairly cool to the touch, but is not lethargic at all - while I push the substrate around taking these readings, he comes shooting to the top and is very active looking around the tank for the cause of the commotion and is very good at eating.

Thanks in advance for answering my questions (and sorry if I rambled/provided any useless information)!