leopard gecko heating question

[ScorpDemon]

I'm setting up a new tank for my girlfriends leopard geckos.. and im trying to get the conditions just right before i move them into it.. how hot is too hot for the substrate? i probed t he sand over the heat source.. and it was 122 degrees.. but the air temp was 87 degrees.. this was after leaving it be for 9 hours.. im thinking the sand was too hot.. but im no expert.. anyone got any further info for me?

 

[OldHag]

That is WAY too hot. I keep the hot side of my geckos at 90-92.

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

I agree with Michelle, your MAX should be no more than 95, with 90-92 being superb.
Are you using a heat pad? Ive found that putting a piece of cardboard between the pad and the tank works to keep the heat down, but you'll definitely need a thermostat to regulate temps so that it doesnt burn up, lol.

 

[ScorpDemon]

was trying to get away with using a heating pad for humans, ive used them for heat source before for scorpions.. but i had them taped on the side of the tank with a towel wrapped around and another tank butted together above the substrate, the glass never got above 90 degrees, i didnt use the towel this time though. i was trying to fond a lil something new.. i think ill just stick with what works though.. some shortcuts just arent worth taking. thanks for the feedback guys.. err ladies rather

 

[versimomma]

I thought the top end should be no more than 90? You should use a thermostat so it doesnt get any higher. Here is a great site with lots of info
The Gecko spot

 

[LHP]

For sure stay away from heating pads made for human use. Lots of fires have been started by those things. Heating pads straight of the box are usually WAY too hot for immediate use (it seems like the ZooMed brand is especially hot, I like the Fluker brand better).

Most hardware stores sell dimmer switches that do a great job keeping the temps under control. They usually have two kinds; the kind that clips right on the cord, and the kind that plugs into the wall. I stay away from the clip-on kind (seems great for a lamp but a little shady for heat pad IMO). The sort that plugs into the wall is great. You plug it in, plug the heater into the dimmer, and tinker with your temps till they're just right. Haven't bought one in a while, so I don't remember the exact price but they're under $10.

Another cool thing to have is a temp gun- http://www.tempgun.com/main.html
I have the PE-1 model and it is AWESOME. (It is also great for cooking!)

Sorry for the rambling post...I keep A LOT of reptiles so over the years temp tinkering and fire-prevention have become my obsessions .

Lindsey