We like this reliable, easy to use, Digital IR (Infrared) Surface Thermometer because it's an economical way to actually know that the surface temperatures in your reptile's habitat are where they need to be. No assuming, no guessing, no bad surprises later. Carolina Custom Cages is a division of Carolina Designer Dragons, LLC.

The basking spot surface temperature directly affects your reptile's activity level, appetite and ability to digest his food properly for good nutrition. Many reptiles such as bearded dragons "self-thermogate"; moving from basking spot to cool area and back. This way they maintain the appropriate body temperature levels and stay comfortable; since they don't sweat like mammals do. Therefore, it is also important to actually know what your habitat's cool area temperature is.

Bearded dragons required basking spot area temperatures by age: 1) Hatchling to six months, 115 to 120 degrees; 2) Six months to one year, 110 to 115 degrees; 3) One year and older, 100 to 110 degrees. Cool side area for all ages should be around 80 degrees.

Some habitat "kits" come with a thermometer that sticks on the side of the habitat or uses a probe. These types of readings can be very deceptive since the "air temperature" is what they are indicating and it can be 10 degrees to even 15 degrees different from the two surface temperatures that are actually important.

Using this Digital IR Surface Thermometer is simple, just point at the surface to be measured from a distance of 6 to 12 inches. Measurement range -58°F to about 572°F (-50°C to about 300°C) and accuracy of ±2%. LCD backlight, auto power off after 10 seconds and max/min features. Comes with two AAA batteries and instructions.