Flexwatt heating issue

[Quacking-Terror]

Hi everyone! I got some new flexwatt from Reptile basics today. It's hooked up to a hydrofarm thermostat, and the tape the probe is on is between 89-91 degrees. That's not the problem. The problem I'm having is, the piece without the probe is hitting 100-105! Am I doing something horribly wrong?

[dr del]

Hi,

Are both pieces the same wattage?

Iirc flexwatt has a different rating for each size and it is by the foot. So even if they are the same type they also have to be the same size.

You could try putting a dimmer in line with the hotter piece to dial it back a bit maybe.


dr del

[Quacking-Terror]

Yeah, they're both the same size. Exact size. That's why I'm so confused.

[dr del]

Hmm,

Could it be a dodgy connection on the one with the lower temp?

What happens to the temps if you switch the probe to the other piece of flexwatt?

Is the higher temp across the whole piece or is it a hot spot?


dr del

[Quacking-Terror]

I switch it to the other piece, and the temp of that piece drops, slowly of course. The temps are pretty constant across the entire tape. I mean, I know its going through the tub + half inch or so of substrate but it still bothers me.

[Quacking-Terror]

I switch it to the other piece, and the temp of that piece drops, slowly of course. The temps are pretty constant across the entire tape. I mean, I know its going through the tub + half inch or so of substrate but it still bothers me.

I just checked the temp on top of the substrate and against the bottom of the tub. It's between 77-80 on top of the substrate and 82-87 on the bottom of the tub.

[mc5guy]

I bought 2 racks from them. I had the same problem. Obe with prob is 88 with out is 80. Then I switch. The 80 one become 88, the 88 obe become 83 doesn't make sense.

[Quacking-Terror]

This isn't an RBI rack, its a homemade one I got awhile back. The tape is from RBI though.

[RichsBallPythons]

What size flexwatt is it and is each shelf cut to the same length.

Also wattage needs to be same on each shelf or itll be all over the map

[Quacking-Terror]

It is 4" flexwatt, 12" in length. Cut to specifications by RBI. The shelves are all uniform in length.