Where to place thermostat probe for overhead heat lamp?

[polarpenguin]

So I’m doing the final setup for my new scorpion enclosure. Using a red infrared heat lamp and want to know where to place the temperature probe? Should it be on the side of the tank probably 3” off the substrate or should I put it directly under the heat lamp? Only problem is scorpion might bury it or move it if I leave it just lying in the center. Tank is a 5.5 gallon.

Edit: After doing a little more looking online, I will be placing the probe directly under the light. I would just delete the thread since I got the answer, but I don’t think I can.

 

[Matts inverts]

If it’s close to the side, yes. I recommend a heat pad on the side with a thermostat. Are you sure your species needs heating. I do not recommend a heat lamp especially in that small of a tank. Please tell the species.

 

[polarpenguin]

If it’s close to the side, yes. I recommend a heat pad on the side with a thermostat. Are you sure your species needs heating. I do not recommend a heat lamp especially in that small of a tank. Please tell the species.

Coulda gone with a heat pad, but light was free and I just didn’t see the necessity. As long as there’s a thermostat to keep the temp from getting too high right? Species is Hottentotta jayakari

 

[Matts inverts]

Ok I would also make sure it has proper humidity, not sure about the care of this species but would still be careful with the heat lamp

 

[polarpenguin]

Ok I would also make sure it has proper humidity, not sure about the care of this species but would still be careful with the heat lamp

Have a hygrometer all set up and making sure humidity can be kept well before the animal gets here. From all the research and people I’ve talked to they seem to like it rather warm, high 80s and 90 is not out of the question. Will definitely heed your warning on the heat lamp as I know it has more chance for something to go wrong. Any advice on temp probe placement? (For the record, I know I write kind of succinct but please do not take that as me dismissing you. I greatly appreciate any and all advice that allows me to provide the best level of care possible for my animal.)

 

[Outpost31Survivor]

Heat mats are worthless for desert arid species you want temps to be between 85F-95F. I tie thermostat's probe right beneath the heat lamp with a wire and adjust the thermostat temperature accordingly because of the probe's close proximity to the lamp. Currently, I have high 80s to low 90s temps but the temperature setting on my thermostat is 115F. There are other factors that play a role such as size of terrarium and ambient room temperatures.

What size are your H. jayakari?
View attachment Video.Guru_20210226_174928300.mp4

 

[polarpenguin]

Heat mats are worthless for desert arid species you want temps to be between 85F-95F. I tie thermostat's probe right beneath the heat lamp with a wire and adjust the thermostat temperature accordingly because of the probe's close proximity to the lamp. Currently, I have high 80s to low 90s temps but the temperature setting on my thermostat is 115F. There are other factors that play a role such as size of terrarium and ambient room temperatures.

What size are your H. jayakari?
View attachment 377242

Not a whole lot of info on them, from all that I’ve gathered average seems to be between 2.75 and 3.25 inches