Dimming thermostats

[Malepanther123]

Hello,
I have two male panther chameleons. Was interested in a dimming thermostat for them. I go with basking temps of 85f. I use a dimming switch. But recently got a 96f reading when outdoor temps reached 70f. They read from 60-150$. Just seeing if anyone has used them or have experience with them. I see ones like herpstat an expensive an also habistat for 80. Just debating on getting 2 of them. Or just keep a closer eye on basking temps. If anyone use them where do you place probe? Basking branch or upper center of enclosure.

 

[absolutbill]

I don't use them, but what about getting lightbulbs of different wattages? This way when temperatures rise outside you can just change out the bulbs to a lower wattage. Mine are all in a reptile room, and during the summer months I run the ceiling fan on low to help with the temperatures and that also seems to work. Good luck!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Hello,
I have two male panther chameleons. Was interested in a dimming thermostat for them. I go with basking temps of 85f. I use a dimming switch. But recently got a 96f reading when outdoor temps reached 70f.

Does this mean we're talking about outdoor enclosures?

 

[Malepanther123]

Does this mean we're talking about outdoor enclosures?

For chameleons no. Actually never thought of housing them outside.

 

[Malepanther123]

I don't use them, but what about getting lightbulbs of different wattages? This way when temperatures rise outside you can just change out the bulbs to a lower wattage. Mine are all in a reptile room, and during the summer months I run the ceiling fan on low to help with the temperatures and that also seems to work. Good luck!

Good idea currently using 75watts with a dimmer. Can get 60watts an maybe 50watts. Be cheaper just haven't seen 50watts in while.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

For chameleons no. Actually never thought of housing them outside.

Then I'm confused what the outdoor temp of 70F had/has to do with your basking temp reaching 96F(?) Maybe your indoor numbers fluctuate more depending on outdoor numbers(?)

Anyway, my enclosure temps & humidities are stable (or as stable as the house readings)—within a degree/percent or two except if there's an outage.

My beardie's temps need to run a little higher (but not too high), so I have a thermostatically controlled muffin fan that kicks on @90F and off again @ 88F (which keeps his numbers stable as well).

If anyone use them where do you place probe? Basking branch or upper center of enclosure.

FWIW, I don't have a need for dimmers, but I do monitor several places in the enclosure with inexpensive digital hygrometer/thermometers with probes. I use the same type in all our enclosures.

In the chameleon enclosure I have probes:

• On the basking site
• Upper center of enclosure outside the plant canopy
• Near enclosure top inside the plant canopy
• Where he sleeps
• Near the bottom of the enclosure

I mist several times throughout the night, which lowers temps/raises humidity—especially inside the canopy & where he sleeps.