my viv dimensions are 48"L 18"D 21"H

i know the probe should be placed at the cool end, but how far from the inner wall of the viv and how far down from the ceiling should it be?

I'd put it up the warm end...
But it actually doesn't matter where the probe is, as long as the temperatures are correct in the right places! Use a thermometer to check the temps in various parts of the viv - don't rely on the numbers on the stat.

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i have a digital thermometer with two probes so i can monitor both ends seperately.

i was always under the impression it's best to put the probe at the cool end so that i know there will always be an area to cool down if necessary?

The probe won't make an area cooler, it just tells the stat what the temperature at that point is, and so whether to turn the heating on or off. You just set the dial on the stat to the approx temperature you want at the point where the probe is, and tweak it up and down according to what your thermometer says.

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lol, i know the probe won't make the area cooler, but by putting it at the cool end and setting the stat to the desired cool end temp (approx 80F in my case) you are ensuring that the cool end is cool enough should the lizard need to cool down, or is this the wrong approach?

Or you can put it up the warm end, and set it to the temp you want up there! It matters not!

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Chiltern Reptiles

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ExoTerra Digital Thermometers and Hygrometers

Thats my logic also but not all keepers see it this way, to me, I cant understand why but I guess it must depend on how you look at what you are actually trying to achieve.. to me its to keep the cool end from going above a set temperature so I put the probe in the cool end.. in a 4 foot viv I would put it 12-18 inches from the cool end wall draped over furnishing of some kind so its not directly on the floor or touching any walls and is a couple inches off the ground, lizards head hieght is ideal in my opinion.

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ok, thanks very much for your help

Some people see it as you want to control the basking area... i let the wattage of bulb and distance from bask do this.
If a heatsource of any kind was to start heating the cool end [say sunlight, room warming up a lot] equally to the hot end and the probe was in the warm end..you would end up with a viv that is the same temp throughout and possibly a dead lizard.
Stats only going up to 92-95 degrees i think is a give away to the actual intentions too i think.


Of course with a heatmat, say for a leopard gecko viv... the probe should be placed on the mat to keep that at around 90f... as a heatmat doesnt really heat the air temp the viv cant overheat on the cool end but it is possible --say your room temp got up to 86f...the cool end would reach that..which is your limit..but the heatmat would stay on at 90f and possibly/probably up the cool end temp to an unacceptable 88f....

Good ventiation in particularly the cool end of vivariums is very important as is making allowances once summer comes and always knowing whats going on in your room aswell as the viv.

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erm....free care sheet with all buys? jk
erm... ill have a spliff with you if you give me moneies? layaway available? :P

cheers Dean.

btw, love your sig