BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi,

I've done a lot of research regarding temperatures necessary for a BTS. I typically see between 90 and 100f in the hot end (so about 32 to 37.7c). However, I am seeing conflicting information as to whether this is air temperature or surface temperature.

I have thermometers in the hot end and cool end. These are measuring air temperature as they aren't on surfaces. Typically the hot end is measured at around 33-36c when using these.

My confusion stems from the fact I also have an IR heat gun that measures surface temperature . In the hot end under the bulbs the temperature can range from high twenties up to mid thirties. HOWEVER, there is a resin hide there whose 'roof' is typically in the very high thirties when measured with the heat gun, but can go as high as 55-58c in places on it. If I measure the air temperature near these spots we are again talking mid 30s. My skink regularly basks on top of the hide for a few mins, but I obviously want to make sure he is safe there. The actual bulb bottom is about 9-10 inches above the top of the hide. The bulb is currently 50w halogen, with another 50w on dimming as backup. (See pic - left bulb is on constant [25w in pic, but now 50w], right bulb is dimming to maintain temps, 50w)

So, my question is - should I be using the IR gun temperatures or the ambient air temperatures? I've read conflicting reports. 55-60C (even in occasional very small spots) seems very high, but if I lower the bulb strength the surface temps on the tank itself (not the hide) would be in the mid-high 20s which seems quite low. I guess I could move the hide from under the bulbs but I'd still like the question answered for reference So, what are safe surface temperatures for the skink, be they on top of the hide, or on the tank floor.

Thanks!

I measure both.

Surface temperatures for basking surface and heatpads and bath water temperature when I give me 4 legged scaley children a bath.
Must be sure to avoid measuring the temperature of reflections of radiant heat sources ie sun , MVB, basking globe.
Must be sure to compensate for the emissivity of the surface (I can provide the emissivity of most surfaces if you ask by PM).
Must be sure the surface being measured FILLS the measurement aperture else you will introduce large systematic (measurement) errors.
The smaller the spot being measured the better (look for a ratio in the specs like 1:12 or 1:18 …. 1:12 means the spot size at 12" is 1" in diameter.
Better units have emissivity dials (can adust to suit surface) , and do max , min, mean , and standard deviation of the temperatures detected.
Some units have provision to do thermometer compensation (for measurements where reflected radiant heat transfer is high.

Ref :
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/vi ... 4&t=241233
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/vi ... 2#p1833542

air temperatures via digital thermometers with small probes on the end of cables.
>>> for warm zone temperatures
>>> basking zone temperatures
>>> cool zone temperatures
>>> substrate subsurface temperatures
Typically, the response time to get a measurement is several seconds , so not instanteous.
Typically the accuracy of even very cheap EBAY digital thermometers is better than 1 degree C , which is more than adequate for reptile keepers.
Advantage is you set up several thermometers to monitor the temperatures at key spots continuously and can see your temperatures at a glance.

ref :
https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/vi ... 5#p1819655

Thanks! I'll take a look at those links when I have a chance later. The IR gun I'm using has a K-Type thermocouple which can be connected:->
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01 ... UTF8&psc=1

It also features adjustable emissivity, so I'll have to take a look at that.

What air temperatures do you aim for in the hot/cool ends, and what surface temps would you consider too hot?

My skinks are easterns , so 34 degC basking , 30 degC warm, 26 degC cool zone .

Northerns like it a few degrees C warmer.