Some heating concerns with my leos-urgent

[Emma55]

I have two tanks as I have separated my two females. The one is bigger than the other . I have some concerns about the heating. I live in a country with varying temperatures, South Africa to be exact. Right now we are getting into winter and it is about 44°F (7°C) outside and 50°F (10°C) inside the house. I only have one round thermometer which I move about the tanks to check temperatures, but my Leo in the smaller tank isn't being very active . I'm scared she may be trying to hibernate???? But even when I take her out at night occasionally to bond when I put her back I put her on the warm side in case she has forgotten about it. She chills there for less than five minutes then goes back to her cool hide ????

Below are the following readings

TANK ONE: (lager tank belonging to more energetic Leo Athena)
Warm side: 85°F / (35°C)
Middle : 77°F / (25°C)
Cold side : 64°F / (18°C)

It's way too cold for them isn't it ? I have three heating pads going! I'm not sure what to do, I have to drive two hours to buy a heating pad, should I drive out there again asap ???

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

TANK ONE: (lager tank belonging to more energetic Leo Athena)
Warm side: 85°F / (35°C) 35*C = 95*F
Middle : 77°F / (25°C)
Cold side : 64°F / (18°C)

Are those air temps or ground temps? Please buy a digital thermometer with a probe. Is your home heated?

You mention a "round" thermometer. Those are analog/dial thermometers. They measure air temps unless they sit right on the ground. Round thermometers really only show "ballpark" temps. A digital thermometer with a probe is much better. Here in the USA we can buy a yellow Zoo Med digital thermometer with a probe for about $10.

These temps are especially important for the warm end. The smaller tank could have less "wiggle room". IF you add overhead heat within a dome light fixture, that bulb should be controlled by a second thermostat or by a rheostat/dimmer.




Here's a temperature guide for all leopard geckos as measured by the probe of a digital thermometer

• 88-92 F (31.1-33.3 C) ground temperature right underneath a leo's warm dry hide
• no greater than 82ish F (27.8ish C) air temperature - 4 inches above ground on the warm end
• no greater than 75 F (23.9 C) air temperature - 4 inches above ground on the cool end

Leave the UTH on 24/7. At night turn off overhead lighting/heating (~12 hours on and ~12 hours off) unless ambient room temperatures drop lower than 67ish*F (19.4*C).

 

[Keeboard]

Here's a tip for encouraging her to use her warm hide: your Leo may prefer the cool hide, so switching them might work