Heat gradient problem

[L.West]

I set up my new jasons jungle 15qt juvie rack but I can't seem to get the heat gradient I need - what could be wrong.

The temps are too high on the cool side. In order to get 88/90 on my hot side it heats the cool side up to 84/85 which is not enough gradient - help

Note this rack has back heat

[L.West]

I adjusted the thermostat but now have pretty much the same temp all across the tub - what is going on

Someone please come to my rescue

[mpkeelee]

where is the thermostat probe?
what size and watt heat tape are you using?
how long has it been setup and running?

[L.West]

I attAched the probe in designated spot from the mfg - he put a tie strip thru the flex watt (in the cut area) and said to secure my probe there.

It appears to be 11" flex watt - not sure of the wattage

I set it up yesterday at 1pm

I just checked it and w the helix set at 98 my temps are 88 hot and 82 cold

Thanks

[PitOnTheProwl]

11" should be about 20watts a foot.

[mpkeelee]

11" may be too big and that is what is causing the entire tub to heat up. maybe if you switch to some 3" or 4" then maybe you will have a better temp gradient. also, do your tubs get right up next to your back heat? if not you may want to find a way to get it closer so you can turn the temps down a bit and not heat up the other side so much

[L.West]

Yes the tubs go right up against the back where the heat tape is. These racks have been around quite awhile - I can't imagine that they have the wrong sized heat tape.

I am going to call the mfg to see what he thinks. Maybe my snake room is too warm at 79/80 degrees.

I finally got 89 hot side with an 82 cool side - that isn't too bad

[L.West]

I think I finally got the temps where I need them - they are currently 80 cool side and 89 hot side. Are these sufficient??

[dragonboy4578]

That sounds like a good temp to me...

[L.West]

I usually like a 10 degree gradient but the tub just isn't big enough - not enough length to give me that 10 degrees