Temp issues

I will be getting my leopard gecko this Saturday at Repticon. I wanted to set up my viv last week, but my dad put me off until last night. I bought a Zoomed 30-40 gallon mat for my 20 long tank because the 20 gallon one didn't look large enough (only covered about a 4th). Since last night, the warm side seems to have settled around 96 degrees. But the cool side keeps around 75 (all measured with my probe thermometers). Is my cool side too cool? And is there anything I can do to warm it up? I'm using paper towel as my substrate, and I only have one layer right now as it is. >.<

We didn't use the rubber feet that came with the mat, my dad wanted to use bigger ones that he bought from work. Is it possible that the larger gap between the tank and the furniture is causing this?

A 20 gal long tank has the same foot print of a 30 gallon, so in effect 30-40 gal mat is actually the correct mat! Good job!

As for the gap, no it isn't reducing the heat. In fact, the feet included and recommended are just so the mat doesn't ruin the surface it sits on since it does get so hot (lawsuit prevention, sort of!) The way the mat works it radiates heat upward, and through the glass, so it's not just warming the area surrounding it but the area it's applied to.

Your cool side is excellent, with such "extreme" differences between the two, it's an excellent heat gradient that is needed for leopard geckos.

It sounds like you're more than prepared! We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and hope you stick around.

Oh, really? Thank you so much! I was petrified with what little time I have before the convention. Boy am I relieved! I really appreciate it.

The cooler cool side is better for the leo's. It allows them to regulate easier. Obviously best not to have it too cool of course.

Let me explain, a gecko's optimum body temperature is something like 90 degrees, it only moves to the cool side when it is above 90 degrees, to put its body temperature back to 90. It doesn't go over to the cool side to make himself cool, he goes there to make himself back to standard. (and vice versa with hot side)

Like with humans, the body temp is around 35*C (i think lol), when we are at 38, we try to cool back down to 35... not to 30.

Hope that makes sense.

It sounds like you've done your research, so don't be so surprised!

One more question: is one layer of paper towel enough? I know two layers will bring the temperature down but one seems like very little. I plan on switching to tile eventually.

You'll notice if it's enough when you first pet your leo in. If they instinctively go to and stay on the cool side, then it's too hot on their feet. If not, you're good. I personally don't keep my leos on paper towels so I'm not the most qualified to comment, but haha.

Usually the optimim temperature range for your hot side is 88-95*f. If you have higher (you said around 96) then you're going to want a thicker substrait or a rheostat to bring your temps down into an acceptable range. Make sure you hav a probe thermometer directly on the floor above the heat mat to make sure you're getting the most accurate temp readings.

Goo luck at repticon... can't wait to see what you pick up

Take a camera too! We love pictures of reptile shows.

Thanks so much, you guys are wonderfully helpful!

I will most definitely take pictures, and probably videos as well.

Awesome!

Agree with Jordan here It gives a good heat gradient and the leo can choose which temp range it needs to be at... whether to cool down or to heat up I wouldn't worry too much!

Great job btw

Awesome!

I'm am thinking I'll definitely need a thermostat for my uth, though. Been monitoring the temperature and it will be a 95-96 and then drop to the low 80's, and then spike into the hundreds, etc. I'm gonna make sure to pick one up.

It's a good idea. I have never been happier with mine:)

Woooo I can't wait to see these photos!!