Heating: where should the probe go?

[inland bone]

I just got a halogen heat lamp (Arcadia 100W) and am testing the heating setup before buying our future leo.
It is plugged into a thermostat (Lucky Reptile - Thermo Control Pro II), the default setup is 28°C during daytime (stops at 28.1°C, starts again at 26.9°C) so I put my probe at the bottom of the hot side, but the care guide recommends 30-33°C so I'll probably set it to 32°C so it can stay between 30.9°C and 32.1°C
Or, should I put the probe on the hot hide / basking spot? and set the thermostat to 36°C to have it stay within 34.9°C-36.1°C
bonus question : the lamp goes on and off very often (on for 45s to go up to 28.1°C, off for 1'35 to go down to 26.9°C), isn't that a problem for the leo? would he stay on the basking spot even when the lamp goes off, and learn that it will come back?
I guess a dimming thermostat would be better, but can we start with this one?

[icy arch]

Hi!

Unfortunately, a dimming thermostat would be the best way to go as traditional on/off thermostats will constantly cause the bulb to "flash" trying to adjust itself. In addition to a dimming thermostat, you could always buy a manual dimming dome.

As far as placement for the probe, you'll want to place it on the highest point the gecko is able to reach in the basking area. My probes are dumb thick, so thankfully they just sort of rest in place now after tweaking them. Many people though will use rocks and other small decor items to hold the probe in place. NQA

As a side note, I do recommend covering up the sides of the enclosure for your baby to help them feel more secure in their habitat. Additionally, I feel more clutter (faux plants, decor) would also help with this.

Providing a source of UVB is extremely beneficial as this allows the animal to create and synthesize vitamin D3. This helps with gecko being able to absorb calcium, which is important to minimize the development of Metabolic Bone Disease. Now, you can provide D3 via supplements, but UVB allows the animal to express this behavior naturally. It can be tricky ensuring the gecko is being given the proper dose of Vitamin D3 as well. ☺️

[inland bone]

yes, the uvb lamp was not plugged in yet, but we have it 🙂

we already added some clutter but I saw some enclosures photos here and now I understand it is far from enough - I don't know yet how we will proceed to take advantage of the terra height

and noted for the sides, we'll just add some cardboard for now

[icy arch]

Cardboard totally works! I've used black posterboard in the past for my glass enclosures. 😊

I got these great ledges from Komodo as well to provide extra climbing enrichment 😀 they are quite strong magnets and you could pop them on the sides as well.