basking temps

[tino442]

Just purchased a laser infrared thermometer. How do i get the basking temp? by pointing laser at the surface of the branch? . Branch is 6 in below top of screen and above that is a 8 in dome with a 60 w bulb. cage is 2x2x4. I have a 4 m old panther. I also have a smaller dome with a 40w bulb next to that one.i am getting readings from 80 to 85 surface temp. is this the correct way to get a basking temp? thanks

 

[ISA my Veiled]

That is what I do, I point it where my chameleon normally basks and see what the temp is on the surface of the branch. It works for me and I do not have any problems. Maybe someone else has an opinion.

 

[Carrie Anne]

What brand of infrared temp gun thermometer is best to buy?

 

[ISA my Veiled]

I would not be able to tell you really, I do not even know what brand mine is unless I get up and go grab it from downstairs lol obviously if you pay a little more it is going to work a little better. Honestly I would research good brands, I know zoo med has something close to what a infrared temp gun is but I am not sure what it is exactly.

 

[tino442]

this is what i purchased works great ( New! Infrared IR Laser Non-Contact Digital Thermometer ) ( search in all departments on amazon $15 delivered)

 

[Carrie Anne]

this is what i purchased works great ( New! Infrared IR Laser Non-Contact Digital Thermometer ) ( search in all departments on amazon $15 delivered)

Ok thank you for the info I will go right now and look it up.

 

[jannb]

I point the laser right on my Cham to take the reading when they are in the basking spot. I check is several places on my Cham especially the head which is usually the closest to the light.

 

[Carrie Anne]

I would not be able to tell you really, I do not even know what brand mine is unless I get up and go grab it from downstairs lol obviously if you pay a little more it is going to work a little better. Honestly I would research good brands, I know zoo med has something close to what a infrared temp gun is but I am not sure what it is exactly.

I was looking at the zoo med one as its reasonably priced but just was wondering if when it comes to something like this is it better to spend more on it to get the most accurate results. Will have to compare different brands and hopefully there will be good reviews and research to back them up. Thank you for the info.

 

[tino442]

i tested this one with some thermometers around the house it was very accurate + - 1degree

 

[sandrachameleon]

surface temperature can be different from air temperature

 

[tino442]

yes that said would the surface temp on a branch of 85 degrees be ok for a basking spot.

 

[tino442]

if i lay a thermometer on the branch horizontal it will go over 100 if i lay it vertical so the light is not beating down on it its 85 degrees same as surface temp. which is correct ? confusing

 

[jannb]

yes that said would the surface temp on a branch of 85 degrees be ok for a basking spot.

The only way to know is to put your Cham on that branch and let him sit for for a few minutes and then start checking him temps and check his temps often because he will get hotter as he sits there for awhile.