What is the Best Digital Thermometer for Bearded Dragons? Top Thermometers for Beardies in 2020
When you raise a bearded dragon in captivity, it is important to maintain a good level of humidity in the habitat. Somewhere around 35% to 45% should be an ideal situation for the reptile. These animals originate from the desert region of Australia. Thus, it is important for you to ensure that the atmosphere and temperature inside the habitat is almost similar to that in the Australian desert for the overall well-being of the reptile.
Since these reptiles come from the semi-desert region of Australia and spend most of their time basking under the sun, they need heat, even if kept in captivity, to lead a healthy and happy life. But the question is, how to know whether the temperature in the habitat is optimum for the reptile or is it too high or low? The simple answer to this question is to use a thermometer.
Top 5 Bearded Dragon Thermometers
How to Use a Thermometer for a Bearded Dragon?
It is good to know that using a thermometer for a bearded dragon basically fulfils 2 basic functions. Firstly, it is generally used during the early phase of the entire setup to check if the temperature is suitable for the reptile or not and to permanently mount the heating equipment in the habitat.
Secondly, these thermometers are basically used to monitor the temperature of your pet’s environment in an accurate manner. You need to mount the thermometer in such an area where it is convenient for the device to monitor the temperature. If there is a sudden increase or decrease of the habitat’s temperature, then proper steps could be taken to correct it as soon as possible.
The Right Level of Temperature for a Bearded Dragon
When you use a thermometer inside a bearded dragon’s habitat, it basically fulfils the purpose of getting accurate temperature readings inside the enclosure. The optimum level of heat for any bearded dragon is around 40 degree Celsius or 104 degree Fahrenheit. The best temperature gradient for these reptiles is around 24 degree to 34 degree Celsius or 75 degree to 93 degree Fahrenheit.
Best Bearded Dragon Thermometers List
As mentioned above, there are several types of thermometers in the market that can be used inside a bearded dragon’s habitat. Choosing the right one is basically dependent upon your preference and budget. Choosing the best one may be slightly challenging for first timer bearded dragon owners. Thus, to make things simpler for you, we have come up with a list of some of the best quality thermometers that you may use.
① Exo Terra Combometer Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer
This product is designed not just to help you ensure that your beloved bearded dragon stays in a comfortable temperature but also tells you about the humidity levels inside the habitat. This 2-in-1 thermometer comes with a remote control and also has a programmable maximum and minimum memory setting that can easily be operated with the help of a single button.
Installation is pretty simple and can be done with the help of a screw along with an included strip and using the product is also going to be a piece of cake for you. If you use the Exo Terra Compact Top or Dual Top Canopy, then you can also slide the thermometer into position. Pros Cons
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② Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer and Humidity Gauge
With the help of this thermometer, ensuring the right temperature and humidity level for your pet bearded dragon will become a simple task for you. It is designed to help you get the reading very easily and it gives you precise readings for both the temperature and humidity levels. Whether your pet needs a tropical or arid environment, this thermometer gives you the right reading with the help of its color-coded dials.
It comes with a fuzzy fastener that lets you install the thermometer very easily. Removing the product while cleaning the habitat is also not a big problem. Since there are no need for any batteries, you can also use the thermometer out of the package.
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③ Fluker’s Thermo-Hygrometer Digital
This thermometer is designed in such a way that it makes it very simple for you to read the readings. It is basically a 2-in-1 device that measures both temperature and humidity level inside the habitat of your bearded dragon. This will help you make sure that your pet lives in a pleasant and suitable environment.
You will require batteries to use this thermometer. It is also designed to record the maximum and minimum temperatures along with the humidity levels automatically. If you wish to erase the maximum and minimum readings from the memory of the device, then you need to press and hold the Clear button for 2 seconds.
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④ Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
In order to ensure that your pet bearded dragon lives in a comfortable and suitable environment, all you need to do is point and click this thermometer. The product is pocket sized and gives an almost instant reading of the temperature with the help of a single button on the device. The Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer is designed to monitor the temperature of thermal gradients, shelters, basking spots, hibernation temperature, and incubation temperature.
The product can easily be set to give the reading in either Celsius or Fahrenheit and you can also set a maximum and minimum temperatures to help you monitor changes over a given period of time. You will need batteries to use this device and the size of it is such that you can easily carry it along with you wherever you go.
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⑤ Klein Tools IR5 Dual Laser 12:1 Infrared Thermometer
If you are looking for a professional dual-laser targeting infrared thermometer, then this product will be a great choice for you. It provides a wide measurement range along with several calculation modes to facilitate various temperature measurements applications. The dual lasers basically assist in targeting the different measurement areas.
Some of the features of this infrared thermometer include auto scan, dual laser targeting, high or low alarm, maximum/minimum/average difference, auto power off, and backlit display. The measuring range of this thermometer is between -22 degrees Fahrenheit and 752 degrees Fahrenheit. You will require a single 9-volt battery to operate this thermometer and it comes with a drop protection of 2 meters or 6.6 feet.
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Conclusion & What is the Best Digital Thermometer for Bearded Dragons
It is needless to say that bearded dragons need a proper temperature and humidity level to be healthy and happy. It is not possible for you to measure the temperature and humidity on your own. You will require the use of a proper thermometer. Although the choices in this category are pretty vast, choosing the best one may pose a major problem for most of you.
The list above should act as a guide for you while shopping for a thermometer for your bearded dragon’s habitat. Although all the products discussed above are of great quality, the best of the lot was the Exo Terra Combometer Digital Thermometer (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE).
This 2-in-1 device is a great product to help you a proper temperature and humidity level reading. It comes with a programmable maximum and minimum memory setting that can easily be operated with the help of a single button. Setting up the device is also pretty simple with the help of a screw and a strip that is included with the device.
Tips To Choose a Suitable Thermometer
When you go out to buy a proper thermometer to be used inside your pet bearded dragon’s habitat, you will notice that there are quite a few varieties ready for you to choose. While choosing, always ensure that you also check the quality of the product apart from the price tag. Make sure that the thermometer you choose is small in size and extremely reliable. It should also be an attractive design and should be quite durable, as well.
Talking about the durability of the thermometer, if it can last somewhere around 5 to 6 years, it should be a great product. Thermometers lasting a year has become a common sight in this modern era. It should also have an attractive design. If the design of the thermometer can add to the decorative design of the habitat, there is nothing like it. No owner will wish to have a thermometer that will appear out of place inside the habitat of a bearded dragon.
Types of Thermometers
Talking about thermometers that can be used inside a bearded dragon’s habitat, there are basically 3 types available for you in the market.
- Analog Thermometer: These types of thermometers come with numbers already printed on them that shows the degrees in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. These thermometers do not require any batteries.
- Digital Thermometers: These come with a small display screen on which the temperature is displayed. These require batteries to function properly.
- Chemical Thermometers: These are normally made with a special chemical substance, which helps to indicate the temperature on an accumulative scale. One of the best examples of such thermometers is the mercury thermometer.
Helpful Tips While Setting Up the Thermometer
Before you decide to install a new thermometer inside your pet’s habitat, make sure that the enclosure is not made entirely with plastic or glass covers. Such an enclosure will just trap the humidity and air inside the habitat and it may also result in stagnate and stale air. This may give rise to several types of respiratory problems for your bearded dragon.
However, if the overall setting cannot be avoided, the best alternative is to mount the thermometer on the terrarium. This will help the device monitor the temperature and humidity levels and also adjust the same as per the optimum amount of heat that is needed.
Apart from depending on a good quality thermometer, it will also be a good idea to check that the habitat has a proper ventilation system. This is rather helpful in helping you reduce humidity levels inside the enclosure. You may use mesh wired screen covers to ensure proper air flow, which could also dissipate the noxious gases that are normally associated with your pet’s respiration, along with the defecation inside the enclosure.
Apart from that, it is needless to say that proper air ventilation system will also provide fresh air to your pet to breathe. A fresh supply of oxygen will help the reptile feel happy and live more comfortably inside the enclosed habitat.
