Rack getting too hot - PLEASE HELP

[Blackyote]

I've been using the same home made pvc rack for about three years now. My thermostat is a Herpstat 1. It's been great for years, but recently I noticed the tape is getting way too hot. I had the Herpstat set to about 85, yet the hot side of my tubs was 100 in some cases! I had the probe tucked under the heat tape on the middle rack. Checking with a temp gun I noticed the heat tape was 10 degrees cooler where the probe sat (e.g. 86 whereas the rest of the tape was hotter).

Thinking something was wrong with that section of heat tape, I moved the probe up one shelf, still slid under the heat tape and taped in place. The problem's still occurring. The Herpstat is currently set to 83.4 yet some tubs were reaching 105. Again (checking the heat tape with a temp gun) the tape is about 20 degrees cooler where the probe is located. The tape was indeed reaching 111. WTF???

This is obviously bad for my snakes and bad for my blood pressure. It's really stressing me out. In the meantime I have the tubs slid a bit forward so they're not getting so hot, but I need a solution.

Has anyone heard of this before? I don't know if it's the probe or the tape acting up.

[Warren_Booth]

Two issues here.
1) I would tape the probe to the top of the heat tape, between the tape and the tub. There should always be a gap between these.
2) Is the tube allowed to run directly over the tape. If so, over time this can cause damage to the tape that can result in uneven, and incorrect, heating.

Warren

[BPGator]

Have you made any changes to the location of your rack or did you add some new source of air flow? I'm wondering if there's air flow drawing the heat away before it can be registered by the probe.

You may also try running a test on your thermostat probe to make sure you're getting an accurate temperature reading.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Albert Clark]

Another consideration is if you aren't using a good foil tape and instead using something inferior could alter your probes receptivity. Also if you are covering the probe itself with the tape that will also alter your probe sensor. You should only cover the probe wire with foil tape. Definitely move the probe to be on top of the heat tape instead of tucking it under.

[Blackyote]

Two issues here.
1) I would tape the probe to the top of the heat tape, between the tape and the tub. There should always be a gap between these.
2) Is the tube allowed to run directly over the tape. If so, over time this can cause damage to the tape that can result in uneven, and incorrect, heating.

Warren

The tubs do sit directly on the tape. Given that, there probably isn't a way for me to put the probe between the tape and tub (there isn't room). I currently have the probe at the end of the shelf, out of the way. Do you have a picture of what you're describing? I thought with racks it was common for the tubs to touch the heat tape.

Have you made any changes to the location of your rack or did you add some new source of air flow? I'm wondering if there's air flow drawing the heat away before it can be registered by the probe.

You may also try running a test on your thermostat probe to make sure you're getting an accurate temperature reading.

No changes to location. I'll try testing the probe though.

[Warren_Booth]

The tubs do sit directly on the tape. Given that, there probably isn't a way for me to put the probe between the tape and tub (there isn't room). I currently have the probe at the end of the shelf, out of the way. Do you have a picture of what you're describing? I thought with racks it was common for the tubs to touch the heat tape.

You will find that professionally manufactured racks (e.g. reptilebasics, Vision, ARS, FreedomBreeder), all have either a recessed heat tape, or have the tubs on runners so that they do not slide or sit directly on top of the heat tape. Heat tape manufacturers will state that an air gap is need. This tends to be around 1/8th of an inch. For example, for THG heat tape, they state "There must always be at least a small (1/8" or more) air gap on at least one side of the element.".

If you racks are not built to allow this, you are risking some very serious fire risks. I would modify your rack accordingly.

Good luck,
Warren

[BPGator]

The tubs do sit directly on the tape. Given that, there probably isn't a way for me to put the probe between the tape and tub (there isn't room). I currently have the probe at the end of the shelf, out of the way. Do you have a picture of what you're describing? I thought with racks it was common for the tubs to touch the heat tape.


No changes to location. I'll try testing the probe though.

If it does turn out to be the probe, it may qualify for this:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index....products_id=49

In any case, it's odd that your setup has worked for 3 years and all of a sudden it doesn't.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Blackyote]

My rack was made with just enough pvc so it'd be quite a production to modify it. I'm thinking I should just replace it. Does anyone know if Animal Plastics economy racks have recessed heat tape? It's hard to tell anything from the pictures.

[Albert Clark]

My rack was made with just enough pvc so it'd be quite a production to modify it. I'm thinking I should just replace it. Does anyone know if Animal Plastics economy racks have recessed heat tape? It's hard to tell anything from the pictures.

Try Reptile Basics. They definitely have recessed heat tape and the newer racks are very efficient and cost effective with no shipping charges.