HELP PLEASE!!! Is my gecko getting enough heat? or too much heat?

beachpls

New member
Hi guys! I'm new to this forum and have a couple of questions that I need help with.
I've recently gotten a leopard gecko from Geckoboa 2 days ago and I know you're not supposed to feed a new gecko 2-3 days after receiving them as they're probably stressed from the travel.
However, my lil guy isn't lying on the heat mat that I got for him as you can see.. that's why I went to get a heat emitter lamp for him to place on that cold side.. and now I'm wondering if it might be too hot for him? I don't know what to do.. I don't want him to be too cold nor too warm.
I've attached a picture of his humidity and temperature.
PS; I've seen him a couple of times drinking water but that's about it. he doesn't ever go to the other rock which has the heat mat on... And also, there's a UVB light I on in the afternoon.
- He's about 5 months old.
Do let me know thanks!!!!
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gecko1.jpg
 

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Geecko123

New member
how big is his tank? what is the warm side ground temp? what is the cool side ground temp? how big is your heat mat? and does he have a humid hide?
 

beachpls

New member
how big is his tank? what is the warm side ground temp? what is the cool side ground temp? how big is your heat mat? and does he have a humid hide?

His tank is 10gallon from Exoterra. I bought his heat mat from https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Z5GOU8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 His heat mat is 6" x 8"

I do not know what's the ground temperature unfortunately. I've been looking at temperature guns to measure the ground temperature but I've heard that temperature guns aren't accurate in measuring the ground temperature.

I've also been looking at this as well but I don't know.. if you've any recommendations for devices that measures ground temperature pls let me know.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9IO6N0/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

And yes i've a humid hide that I bought from https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-repti...MI9L_TmOmv4AIV0zUrCh2bZQpoEAQYASABEgJgAvD_BwE
 
Last edited:

acpart

Well-known member
You can get an inexpensive reptile thermometer that includes a temperature probe like this: https://www.amazon.com/Pangea-drt-1...rmometer&qid=1549759880&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-5

It's hard to know without the thermometer whether the hot side is too hot or not hot enough, but if you're running a heat mat in a 10 gallon tank without a thermostat, it's likely that it's too hot in the warm side hide. The heat gun can also be reasonable and is more expensive. I highly recommend turning off the light if it's putting out more heat. You can get a reptile thermometer like the one I linked to above for less than $10 at most big pet stores so you won't have to wait for an Amazon delivery. Get the thermostat as well and consider upgrading in the near future to a 20 gallon long tank.

Aliza
 

Geecko123

New member
that thermostat does come with a heat probe, I tape my probes to the floor inside of her warm and cool hide, that way it reads the exact ground temp under the hide.
 

Miyukiwynter

New member
I agree if you don't have a thermostat it's probably too hot. Heat mats get too hot for them if they aren't regulated. You want it to be right around 90 on the floor. The air temp is less important if the floor temp is correct in my opinion. (Assuming you air temp isn't above 80 or below 70).
 
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