Temp probe vs. gauge sitting on the substrate?

OK, I did some searching, but wasn't quite able to find the answer to my question. I've seen where a probe gauge is preferable, but how different is it from placing a non-probe gauge on the substrate?

The main reason I ask is because I'm considering buying a digital temp/humidity gauge by Fluker, especially since it gives high/low temp ranges. But if there's something inaccurate by doing this with a non-probe gauge, or it's hazardous to the snake, or the Fluker gauge has a bad reputation, please let me know.

Thanks

Keeter64 said:

OK, I did some searching, but wasn't quite able to find the answer to my question. I've seen where a probe gauge is preferable, but how different is it from placing a non-probe gauge on the substrate?

The main reason I ask is because I'm considering buying a digital temp/humidity gauge by Fluker, especially since it gives high/low temp ranges. But if there's something inaccurate by doing this with a non-probe gauge, or it's hazardous to the snake, or the Fluker gauge has a bad reputation, please let me know.

Thanks

Click to expand...

I have a bunch of those, and they are pretty accurate for temp, but the humidity reading can get thrown off if the whole thing gets wet. You can bury them under the substrate and then dig them out, but that gets to be a hassle. I eventually switched all my set ups to this:



I would never go back. http://tinyurl.com/yqd3xt It's only like $10 more than the Flukers. It has max/min. You can do either warm/cool sides, or two warm sides on two vivs.

There is a more expensive one with two probes that does one temp and one humidity, but I like knowing the two temps more. The single probe models require you to put the whole guage in the viv.

Nanci

I would go for a thermometer with a probe that you put under the substrate. That is the temperature you are considered about, not the temp of the top of the substrate.

I got one at Menards for 8 dollars.