Temp gun/basking temps/light bulbs . . .

[JimNPHX]

I asked this question in a different thread but did not get the answers I need so I will try to do a new post

I use Zilla temp/hydrometers to measure the basking temps and humidity of my cages. At this time I have 3 cages and get a different reading on each one. (75w bulb at approximately 8" to basking spot for each cage)
So I ordered and just received a laser temp gun. (Pretty cool I might add . . . want to know everything I have done a temp reading on???)
Took body temp readings of my 3 chams (male/female Veiled, male Jackson Xan) when they were at their basking spot and all had temps between 84-85.5 degrees F.

I believe this is a good temp for my Jackson but is it too low for my Veileds? Is taking a body reading with temp gun an accurate measurement for basking temp. (I cannot think of a better way but . . .)

My room temp low/high is 70/74 each day with no air/heat running. So if their body temp at basking is correct, I am getting a 10 degree drop which they need.
My male Veiled is rather moody so it is hard to tell with his body color on whether he is trying to absorb more heat.
The female is always green
I have seen the Jack a nice color green and other times a dark green at all different hours of the day

Should I try to adjust height of bulb or increase wattage? Shouldn't a 75w bulb radiate more heat than what I am measuring?

Thanks for any help

Jim
Buyer of cheap light bulbs ???

 

[Dean Pulcini]

A captive Jackson at 85 is at there max I would cool it down there to the low 80. A 75 watt bulb will cook a chameleon if it gets to close. but to answer your question its safer to adjust the hight of the bulb because a chameleon will climb the screen and hang under bulb then get burned.