Whats the best way to accurately read temp?

[broderp]

I'm going into sensory overload trying to determine my critters basking temp.

I have no fewer than 4 thermomenters and although they are close, the one controlling my lights is about 8~10F higher or so I'm not sure which to trust. My littel guy is either cosy in 95F or in a 103F oven.

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but what do you use/ what can I use to calibrate my sensors to indicate an accurate reading?

 

[Zephalia]

I use a probe thermometer and place it exactly in the spot my cham uses to bask. Is this an option for you? If you have two of them - try them both and compare readings to ensure they are correct?

Are all 4 thermometers in the same place? Different areas in the cage are different temps...not to state the obvious, just trying to help.

 

[broderp]

I use a probe thermometer and place it exactly in the spot my cham uses to bask. Is this an option for you? If you have two of them - try them both and compare readings to ensure they are correct?

Are all 4 thermometers in the same place? Different areas in the cage are different temps...not to state the obvious, just trying to help.

Good idea, but I'm kind of doing that now. I'm using this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EXP4RNO/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one sideways/ level with his body height next to his basking area. (I have another in the lower 1/4 of his terrarium as well)

This item was well rated and appeared to be accurate.

I actually have 2 of the thermometers I linked above, but they read from the same remote sensors so I have one in C and the other in F to compare to my controllers. They are reading 68.9F or 20.3C. They are much slower to react to temp, but are very stable.

Currently one of my controllers is measuring 19.8C (67.64F) while the other is measureing 67.1F. These are quick sensors and can change fast.

So your probably saying that "Its only a 1.8F difference" and you would be right. But when the lights are on (it's bed time for Jackson at the moment, he's asleep, lights out and pajamas on) the difference can be about 10 degrees. THATS trouble if one says 94F (or it's C equal) I can calibrate either, but if I go with the lower number, then I could be as low as 85F and he should have closer to 95F to bask in.

Or am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?

The only other probe thermometer I have has a dial and I use it at Thanks Giving, but do not believe it is as accurate. Is a good old fashioned mercury thermomter accurate?

 

[melble68]

I use a temp gun to spot check locations. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Non-Contact-Infrared-Thermometer-IR001/100674438

I also have one digital thermo/humidity unit that sits in my plant. It records 24hr worth of highs and lows of both temp and humidity.

 

[Chameleon Company]

The easiest way to measure the "basking" temperature is to get a simple outdoor stem thermometer, that comes with a backing, usually the plastic that it is mounted in, and tape it to your basking spot. Face-up, directly under the light, just as if it were "basking". You are then mimicking the chameleon. Same principle as with a chair on your patio, in the sun. The ambient air temp may be 80 F, but the surface of the chair 100 F or more. These probes, etc, do not effectively measure basking temp, as they are not as basking. Then, once you have adjusted lights, distance, etc., so that your "basking" thermometer is recording the temp you want, you can remove it. Those thermometers typically cost just a few bucks.