What temperature should I set my heat pad to?

[HermitGuy3]

Hello everyone! I have a heat pad where you can adjust the temperature it gives out, so I was wondering what temperature I should set it to to keep the tank warn. I have a 10 gallon and the heater is on the side. Thank you!

[curlysister]

What is your current temp inside the tank? What is the room temp?

[HermitGuy3]

I don't have the temperature right now because I accidentally made the mistake of directly spraying the acurite hygrometer/ thermometer which broke the thermometer but I have ordered a new one and it should be here tomorrow, so I will update on the temperature!

[HermitGuy3]

The temp inside the tank right now is 71 Fahrenheit and it looks like it might be steadily increasing? The outside temp is probably 58-68 Fahrenheit (I don't have a way to measure outside temp but I am pretty sure it is in this range). Do thermometers need to be calibrated? I know hygrometers do need to, but I am not sure about thermometers.

[curlysister]

No, a thermometer doesn't need calibrated.
Can you set the heat pad to 80F and see what the temp is in the middle of your tank after it warms up.

[HermitGuy3]

Originally the thermometer was closer to the heat pad, but now it is in the middle and reading 67 Fahrenheit! I will bump it up to 85 while I wait for a response and then follow instructions. Thank you for helping me!

[aussieJJDude]

If the heat pad is appropriately sized, I would set it around 80F and adjust accordingly. Depending on the room temperature, and time of year, you may have to play around with it.