Zilla gauges

[JimNPHX]

Hello everyone!

I use the Zilla combo (temp/humidity) gauge for all my cages. I never seem to get a constant reading for a high temp. The gauge probes are all 8" from light source, yet I get different temp readings on each one. I have tried adjusting heights on each and it has just gotten frustrating! I like the idea of measuring the body temp. Ultimately this is what we are really concerned with correct? (Just ordered a temp gun)
**Side note: The humidity readings are different too!

So, if I cannot get accurate / constant temps with my gauges, what should the body temps be while basking? (M/F Veileds and 1 Jackson Xanth) I realize the Jackson does not need as high of a basking temp . . .


Also, could it be the life of the bulb (or quality) that is causing the fluctuation of temp readings?

I am setting up new cages and need to order more gauges. Didn't want to buy these if they are no good.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Justin Carl]

get a cheap laser temp gauge.
that way you can see how accurate it is.
after that is done make adjustments. height, wattage, bulb

 

[JimNPHX]

Like I said, just ordered a temp gun. I am really wondering if anyone has any comments on these gauges. Need to get a couple more and found them for under $15. Doesn't matter how cheap they are if they do not give a correct reading.

Jim

 

[dodolah]

i recommend the temp gun that has 6:1 aspect ratio or better for more accuracy.
as far as body temp, I have an old thread about them. But, nobody seems to be sure about the right body temperature for chameleon (veiled in my case).

Regardless of the temp of the basking spot, it seems to me that they are able to manipulate their body temp to an extreme or to the low (by skin coloring and flattening and thinning their body -almost like a satellite dish-)
One time, I measured his body temp and find that he's about 110F, even though the temp of the basking spot is just 87F!
But, generally, I found that he will only gape when his body temp exceed 95F.
This is by no mean a scientific fact. I got this number by observing my veiled.
So, take it with a grain of salt