[gecko]re: leo wallowing in water dish

[Julie Bergman]

argente wrote:

> Thanks, Julie.
>
> Our AC is broken so it is hot and sticky in the whole house right 
> now.  Not sure of his weight, but he's a big boy with a fat tail; no 
> major loss or gains lately.  I looked him over and didn't see any 
> obvious signs of trauma.  He's in a 10x20" (will be moving to a larger 
> tank when I move next week) by himself with a log hide and a log to 
> climb on and sit under on the warm end.

A bigger set-up does sounds good to create a better temperature gradient.

> There's not enough room for a separate humid box but I mist his tank 
> during the shedding period and he's never had any trouble with shedding.

He would still like it though. It provides them a measure of comfort as 
well as helping them shed. It is very natural for lizards to be in moist 
hiding spot during hot parts of the day. I'd say he'd choose this over 
the water dish.

> Temps are measured with thermometer strips at gecko height on the 
> inside of each end of the tank.  I just took a look and it's saying 81 
> by the water dish and 85 under the lamp.

Here's the deal with temp strips - they can be way off, as much as 20 
deg. They are useful to see if you have a temp. gradient though mounted 
in the places you have mounted them. Use a mercury-type fish tank 
thermometer (about $5 at any place that sells fish), a probe type from 
Radio Shack or a laser temp device like Pro Exotics sells.

>   Should I move my fan into the gecko room for the time being?  I did 
> turn the lamp off for a while but put it back on after I had him out 
> to look at him this morning because he felt pretty cold.  The girls' 
> lamps are still off and their temps read 80 everywhere.  They are all 
> in their regular hiding places and seem as active as usual.

I'd find out what the more accurate measured temps are and adjust 
accordingly.

Julie B.

>
> -Jessica
>
>I'd say your cool end is kinda warm. What size is his terrarium? How are 
>
>you measuring the temps? Does he have a humid box to shed in? How is is 
>weight and body condition in general?
>
>Julie B.
>    
>