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FlexWatt temps

denowt

New member
I was previously using Sterilite 6qt tubs set on top of flex-watt tape, controlled by a thermostat with a dimmer in between so that the tape never got above 90F. Now I have moved my 3 snakes into a rack. In order to keep the temps in the 80-85 range, I have had to eliminate the dimmer and only have the thermostat. The probe I have on the tape now reads a max temp of 100-102F, but for only about 1 minute out of every 10 or so. The average temp of the tape is 93-98F. Is this temp too high? If so, how would I reduce the tape temp while still maintaining the tub temps?
 
Do you have any thermometers in the tubs? If you don't then how can you know what temp the tape needs to be? Maybe I'm missing something. If you have a thermometer with a probe (even if measuring the temp of the tape) I would suggest moving it to the inside of one of your tubs. Place the probe against the spot likely to be the hottest as a result of the tape. This should give you a better idea. I think. :)
 
Yes I have probes in the tubs as well. Sorry I guess I didn't word that right. My temps inside the tub at the hotspot range between 82-85F.
 
tape temps aren't what are important, tub temps are...
your thermostat should be capable of controlling temps just fine...

sounds like hotspot is OK...
so
i guess i'm trying to figure out what the problem is....
 
^^ I agree with Isaac.
If your tub temps are fine, and it appears they are, then everything should be a-okay.
If it's you're worried about the tape just being too hot in general, just make sure there's nothing up against it. If possible you can always move the tubs closer to the tape and it wouldn't have to be as hot in order to keep the tubs at their desired temp. But, I don't think you have any major worries the way you are now.
 
The Nothing said:
so
i guess i'm trying to figure out what the problem is....

I've read in this forum that the tape should be kept under 95F.
Does that mean a constant 95F?
Is it OK for the temperature to spike above 95F for short periods of time?
 
My thermostat is Alife Reptile Electronic Temperature Controller.
I don't know what you mean by differential is off.
I am able to maintain my tub temps without a problem. My question is, is it OK for the flexwatt to reach 100F for a limited amount of time?
 
denowt said:
My thermostat is Alife Reptile Electronic Temperature Controller. I don't know what you mean by differential is off. I am able to maintain my tub temps without a problem. My question is, is it OK for the flexwatt to reach 100F for a limited amount of time?

It will not hurt the flexwatt itself to get to those temps but it will hurt your animal.. The reason your getting such a swing in temps in because of your thermostat. Those type thermostats have about a 1-10 degree differential. What that does is, say you set your thermostat to 90.. It will allow the temps to swing 1-10 degrees in any direction and then swing back all in the matter of just a few minutes.. Those thermostats are also prone to failure in the on position causing everything to overheat or catch fire.. You would be better off using a better thermostat or even a dimmer than that thermostat..
 
I've been thinking about getting a proportional one like Helix or such. From what you're saying, that should solve my problem and be safer overall?
 
Yes a better thermostat would be better for you as far as your temps.. You dont even need to go as far as a proportinoal.. A good analog like a Johnson Controls or Ranco would be just fine..
 
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