Thermometers and Heating Element questions

[Sonya610]

I think it's your choice as to which one you pick, but you don't need both. I just use a good heat lamp, but a heating pad works too. You just need a good overall temperature of 65-80 degrees (room temperature, really), and a basking area (one side of the tank) of 85-90 degrees. I think a heat lamp is more natural and is a good basking spot. The heat from the lamp, if it's a good lamp, will effect the tanks temperature too. A good heat lamp is all you really need.

Okay thanks. Yeah I already have a basking lamp that is not being used. Bought the heating pads which can server undertank in the winter (my house does not have central heating so I can't keep it at a steady 70 or so all night in the winter, guess I am also used to Ball Python husbandry which says no part of the enclosure should get below 80 whereas Garters are a lot more flexible and won't get sick or stressed as easily if exposed to a wider variety of temps).

Back to my original question...I hope those little digital thermometers with the probes are okay for basking heat cause I just ordered some! They are great for ground temps but was not sure if tasking heat with the lamps needed something different.

[RedSidedSPR]

Garters are a lot more flexible and won't get sick or stressed as easily if exposed to a wider variety of temps).

All of that is true, but you DON"T want to have the whole cage at 80. They need a cool side (not cold) and a warm side (not hot), AKA basking area.

[Sonya610]

All of that is true, but you DON"T want to have the whole cage at 80. They need a cool side (not cold) and a warm side (not hot), AKA basking area.

I won't artificially keep the whole tank that warm BUT the summer temps are naturally hot here, so yeah even with supplmental heat turned off (just the reptisun on) it will still be 80 degrees often during the summer. AC runs but doesn't keep it a frosty 70 degrees or anything.

They can tolerate that right? Natural heat in the 80ish range, or do I have a problem?

Edit just reread your post Redsided...so 65 to 80 is a good "cool side temp". Missed that the first time when you said don't heat the whole tank to 80+.

[RedSidedSPR]

I won't artificially keep the whole tank that warm BUT the summer temps are naturally hot here, so yeah even with supplmental heat turned off (just the reptisun on) it will still be 80 degrees often during the summer. AC runs but doesn't keep it a frosty 70 degrees or anything.

They can tolerate that right? Natural heat in the 80ish range, or do I have a problem?

Edit just reread your post Redsided...so 65 to 80 is a good "cool side temp". Missed that the first time when you said don't heat the whole tank to 80+.

When I said 80 that was a little too warm. Sorry. But that should be fine. 80 is a warm enough for the warm side. And if thats the case, than you want the cool side cooler than that... But if your gonna have 80 some of the year along with a heat lamp, try not to let it get to hot. Only in the summer probably wont hurt, though.