IR thermometer questions

[leet13]

Hi all. Got a question.

FINALLY got an IR thermometer... I am trying to measure Mathesar's basking area... He loves his bendy Fluker's vine. I cannot seem to get an accurate measure and it reads really low (70s). If i put my hand there, I feel it... so its definitely more than in the 70s.

I tried measuring my hand after it was there for a little while but not sure if that is the right way to measure. it almost seems like every branch/vine is the same temp in his cage...

I also tried pointing it at him while he is basking but not sure if thats accurate either.

Can anyone tell me how to accurately measure temps in the cage. I was using analog thermometer/hygrometers.

thanks.

 

[Solid Snake]

IR thermometers are only going to measure surface temperature.

What you need to measure is ambient temperature, with a digital unit.

IR thermometers are useful, but not for ambient temp.

Measure the surface area of the animal when basking.

(I cant be certain here, as my memory isnt great, so you may want to try to confirm this bit) I believe panthers tend to keep themselves in between 90-95F any given day, when they are outside in the sun basking, and as low as 85F when wandering and hunting, but after they get that low, they tend to go bask and warm up again.

So, measure your ambient temps, measure the surface temp of the animal, and measure surface temp of things in the cage, and the cage itself, to make sure they are not heating up to the point of being able to burn the chameleon.

Also, IRTs have a minimum distance you have to keep, in order to get an accurate reading. So make sure you are within that distance, or, as close as possible.

 

[Rush2112]

IR thermometers are only going to measure surface temperature.

What you need to measure is ambient temperature, with a digital unit.

IR thermometers are useful, but not for ambient temp.

Measure the surface area of the animal when basking.

(I cant be certain here, as my memory isnt great, so you may want to try to confirm this bit) I believe panthers tend to keep themselves in between 90-95F any given day, when they are outside in the sun basking, and as low as 85F when wandering and hunting, but after they get that low, they tend to go bask and warm up again.

So, measure your ambient temps, measure the surface temp of the animal, and measure surface temp of things in the cage, and the cage itself, to make sure they are not heating up to the point of being able to burn the chameleon.

Also, IRTs have a minimum distance you have to keep, in order to get an accurate reading. So make sure you are within that distance, or, as close as possible.

Measure the surface area of the animal when basking.

This is the method I use. Get close to your Cham for higher accuracy.

 

[leet13]

I probably should have gone and got a thermometer with a probe instead of the IR. I see i have to go shopping again. lol

My IR says its 12:1...