Equipment Review and Discussion :: digital thermometer ?'s

[scripta_elegans]

This may be an odd question, but should the probe for the digital thermometer be verical or horizontal when checking basking platform temps? I ask because the temp reading is way different between the two. I don't know if the probe should hang just above vertically or lay on the platform. A or B?
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[Muirner]

i say flat, lay it on a rock about that is about as high as your turtle would be when basking. Place the probe on the top of that.

[cam722]

What I did was put something on top the dock .. like a rock the height of my turtle and put the probe on it.

[scripta_elegans]

so horizontal at turtle height? Or verical at turtle height? I'm concerned because it's a difference of about 20 degrees!

[steve]

Let me guess, when it's horizontal, it's much warmer? I'm more inclined to think it is the more correct temp, though the basking area has an effect. I use a paper cup with thermometer to measure the temps.

[Kallistos]

It makes sense that when it's horizontal that it's much warmer. I mean, when it's horizontal more of the actual probe is getting direct light. This will probably give you a more accurate reading. Can you use underwater digital thermometers to measure basking temperatures also?

[steve]

In the diagram, its on the platform, so thats why I think it would be much warmer. Yes, more of the probe is exposed too, but I'm not sure if that would have the same impact.

[scripta_elegans]

You are quite right Steve! The temp is indeed higher horizontally on a rock or on the platform. It says it's 110-112. If it's like diagram B it says it's @ 88-90. so trust the horizontal on the rock?

[Muirner]

trust the horizontal. Its exposing much more of the thermometer just like the length of the turtles shell. I'd try to back your light off a lil bit.

[scripta_elegans]

I shall! I have adjusted it way too much! I am happy it's the horizotal i should trust, because I couldn't get the light closer!

[grey goose]

Also make sure the basking area is dry, and if using a rock to elevate, don't let the probe touch the rock.