Temperature Measurements with an Analog Thermometer

[Kadaan]

I have one of these thermometers that I picked up at PetCo:

My problem is that I'm not sure of how to properly use it to take measurements.
- When I place it flat on the ground under the lamp, face up, it reads 100F
- When I place it flat on the ground under the lamp, face down, it reads 95F
- When I place it standing up vertically under the lamp, it reads 85F

The face is plastic, so I'm assuming when it's face up it traps in extra heat and the temp goes up to 100. The back is open and you can see the metal coil, so I'm guessing that face-down gives me the proper temp but I wanted to make sure.



I guess when I get home I can use the glass thermometer from one of my aquariums and see what temp that reads at, or just invest in a digital thermometer already.

 

[bettinge]

The best way to read it is to throw it in the trash and get a good one! I like the radient ones, fast and accurate.

If you were to compare all the thermometors like this on the store shelf, you would likely see 10 degrees variation. They are good for a rough estimate, but useless for an exact and repeatable measurement!

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...ostats-and-timers/-/infrared-temperature-gun/

 

[Isa]

I use regular thermometers (like the one you are using) but soon I will order a infrared digital termometer (I can't wait). In my Hermann's enclosure, there is one in the cold side, one in the hot side and one under the spot light.
I have the same problem as you with the temps, the temps depends on how the termometer is on the substrate.
Here is an interesting article on how to measure temps
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/temperatures.htm

 

[Kadaan]

Thanks for the link, very informative article!

 

[egyptiandan]

Temperature guns are the best thing going. I couldn't live without mine.
You are though Betts better off getting the PE2 instead of the PE1. You have to be very close to the object (one inch) to tell the temperature correctly. With the PE2 you can be 6 inches away to take the temperature of that same square inch. It also comes with a handy laser to tell where your pointing at.

Danny

 

[bettinge]

I do have the PE2, and think its worth the extra $20. From Isa's thread on these a week or two ago, it seemed many were happy with the PE1. As Danny describes above, the "Distance to spot ratio" is basically a ratio of "how accurate at what distance".

http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-8842.html

 

[Stazz]

Isa thanks for that link, its actually just what I wanted to know for when my thermometer arrives from USA THANKS !!

 

[Isa]

No problem Stace
Do you know when you will receive your order?

 

[Stazz]

Should be in a week or two Isa Its taking longer than expected, but its on its way !!!!