Heating and rocks issues

[AndyBunn]

Hello all. I have a leopard gecko, Carrot in a large viv. I'm having problems, possibly in my head, with regulating the temperature in the hot side.

I have encluded some photos to show what I mean.
Pp7
The cool side seems fine with temps at 22°c.

On the hot side the thermometer on the side reads 31°c but the heat on the rocks where Carrot sits is often much higher. Sometimes at 34 up to 40°c.*
I have a thermostat which is set at 31°c.

I'm sure that this * Temp is to high and is going to cause Carrot health problems.

What can I do?

Would it be better to remove the rocks from the vivarium thus increasing the distance from the ceramic heat bulb to the basking area?

Thanks in advance.
Andy

 

[acpart]

Those dial thermometers, as far as I know, are not accurate. Consider getting a digital thermometer with a probe for checking the temperature on the floor of the cage. In my opinion, as long as the floor temperature is around 31C (low 90'sF) and the ambient temperature is comfortable for humans (mid 60'sF minimally --I'll let you do the conversion to C), no additional heat is needed. I worry about the Ceramic Heat Emitters that tend to superheat the air (as you're finding) and can dehydrate the gecko. You could try eliminating the CHE and seeing how the gecko behaves.

Aliza

 

[AndyBunn]

Cheers for the advice Aliza. I have lowered the hight of the basking rocks and placed the thermostat sensor on to the substrate.
The temp above the rocks is now 31°c/ 87.8° Fahrenheit, which is much better.

I am thinking of getting a DHP bulb at some point soon. Also going to change the substrate too as I am worried about Carrot getting impaction.

I have attached a photo of how it is now.

Thanks for all your great help as always.

Andy

 

[acpart]

Looks better. What substrate are you using?

Aliza

 

[AndyBunn]

Hi its Leo Life substrate. Here's the link for there website.

Leo Life – ProRep

www.pro-rep.co.uk

In a local pet shop I've seen a fake stone contoured mat. I might get one.

Andy

 

[acpart]

Sounds much better than sand. As long as your leo isn't pooping out sand covered droppings (of course the droppings might get sandy after they come out, so you have to check right after the leo goes) it's probably OK for it.

Aliza