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Quick Flexwatt question

MerlinsPop

MerlinsPop

New member
How long does it take flexwatt to reach max temperature? I wired up two segments of 11in (20W). Each has it's own cord. Plugged them in last night to test, and after 30 - 45 minutes they were warm to the touch, but not what I'd call hot. Was just wonding if they take their time warming up or if I have weak connections.

TIA
 
How did you wire them? Sounds like you might have a weak connection. I know when I wired up mine, within minutes they were hot to the touch. I suck at soldering so when that didn't work, I used the connectors and had no issues whatsoever.
 
ratsncorns said:
How did you wire them? Sounds like you might have a weak connection. I know when I wired up mine, within minutes they were hot to the touch. I suck at soldering so when that didn't work, I used the connectors and had no issues whatsoever.
Click to expand...

I used their connectors. I don't trust the idea of piercing through the plastic covering. Maybe I'll take the soldering iron and melt it away first and see if that's any better.

Electrical tape instead of the plastic covers.
 
MerlinsPop said:
How long does it take flexwatt to reach max temperature? I wired up two segments of 11in (20W). Each has it's own cord. Plugged them in last night to test, and after 30 - 45 minutes they were warm to the touch, but not what I'd call hot. Was just wonding if they take their time warming up or if I have weak connections.

TIA
Click to expand...

I use it now but when I was setting the viv up. I tested the flexwatt and it too seem a long time to warm up. The temps reach above 100 degrees when it felt warm. I used their connections too.
 
Okay... got everything set up (will probably put up some pics just to show tonight)... BUT...

What's the best placement for the thermostat probe (habistat) when using one stat to control multiple flexwatt tapes? I've tried two placements, and can't decide which is best (and probably totally missing the best placement).

First I used aluminum tape to tape it to an exposed part of one of the flexwatts. I found that the temperatures registered inside the 4 sterilite bins to be uniform with each other (within a degree or so) but were all much higher than the thermostat setting. After chewing on this, I guess it makes sense since the flexwatt is cooled by the ambient air around it, while the bins with lids aren't losing heat as fast and therefore getting warmer.

The second thing I tried was positioning one of the bins such that it rests on top of the thermostat probe. With this arrangement, the bins register much closer to the thermostat's setting (about 2 degrees lower) but the one that's on the probe is always about 3 degrees less than the other 3. I can't figure out why this is so, but accept that the results.

So, which way is best?

Thanks!
 
Sounds like you need more air flow in your bins. They shouldn't hold that much heat. I tape my sensor from my helix to a piece of glass that is laying on top of the flex watt. The hatchling containers then sit on top of that glass. I'll see if I can find a photo.
 
flexwatt.jpg


You can't see it but the probe is between two of the tubs, taped to the glass.
 
Dave, we have the exact same metal racks. Don't you wish it came with more shelves?

Merlinspop, you may try putting the sensor into one of the tubs, or just dial back the settings till it's about the right temp inside. I've never had my thermostats and independant temp check match exactly with any of my set ups. Get pretty darn close but then I just have to wing it a bit..
 
Thanks, Dave. I've got 12qt sterilite bins for hatchlings that have at least 30 holes around the perimeter, but none in the lid. That may or may not make a difference. I also have 11 in flexwatt (was initially going to use 90qt big honkin tubs, with the expectation of housing adults right away. so the bins only cover about half the width of the flexwatt.

I think I'll go back to taping the probe to a portion of the flexwatt that's not covered by a bin and adjust the thermostat down to a point that the temperature stabilizes in all four in the lower 80's.
 
MerlinsPop said:
Thanks, Dave. I've got 12qt sterilite bins for hatchlings that have at least 30 holes around the perimeter, but none in the lid. That may or may not make a difference. I also have 11 in flexwatt (was initially going to use 90qt big honkin tubs, with the expectation of housing adults right away. so the bins only cover about half the width of the flexwatt.

I think I'll go back to taping the probe to a portion of the flexwatt that's not covered by a bin and adjust the thermostat down to a point that the temperature stabilizes in all four in the lower 80's.
Click to expand...

You might also try putting less of the bin over the flexwatt if you can.
 
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