froggy8

I know its not what you asked for, but I just got an old fish tank and filled it with sawdust. Threw some bedding material in and they just had a whale of a time dragging it all down and you can see their little tunnel systems and rooms. Although the missus (who was away for the week) was not too pleased as said tank was 6ft x 2ft x 2ft in size. Oh well...that's what happens if you leave me on my own.

I just use the cheapo ones off E-Bay. They are accurate enough for the sort of temps I need for reptiles. I have 2 as it's important to have a temperature gradient to allow the animals to find an area to suit them. My Milk snake, for example, prefers a cooler vivarium, and only sleeps over the heat mat on cold nights. The mat has a thermostat, but I want to measure the ambient temps just above the surface. I put one towards each end.

I don't know how temperature sensitive gerbils are, but as they are warm blooded...they do have some ability to regulate their own temperatures, whereas reptiles are totally reliant on their environment.

cheers guys, will have a look on ebay.