Setting up the thermostat

[heatherhead42]

Thanks SO much to those who have helped us so far on getting our appropriate set-up for Sammy.

Our Helix DBS 1000 arrived today--so fast!--from Reptile Basics, hurray! I'm getting it set up and have a question. I've read that you should measure the temp inside the warm-side hide. But the instructions on the thermostat say to place the probe where it will not be in direct contact with the animal because the animal can influence the reading.

So..... where am I really supposed to put it? lol

Thanks for helping a hopelessly clueless newbie.

Heather

[heatherhead42]

Oh, and P.S.: How do I "install" the heat tape? Should it be attached directly to the enclosure with some sort of tape (electrical tape?), or laid underneath the enclosure with a gap to let excess heat escape, or laid underneath it with the enclosure directly on top and no gap?

Help! Thanks.

[tmlowe5704]

For the heat tape, I lay it underneath the enclosure and tape it down. For the probe, a lot of people place it on the bottom of the enclosure underneath the substrate. What are you using, a tank, tub...etc? In my tub, I put it under the substrate and set it 92 so even if the snake gets under it, it still won't be too hot.

The heat tape does need a gap BTW

[heatherhead42]

We're using a tub. So.... you tape the heat tape to the surface that supports the tub, and then leave a gap between the heat tape and the enclosure? Am I understanding correctly?

[heatherhead42]

AND another question... Has anyone ever tried to insulate the tank to hold in temps and reduce the amount of power needed to maintain warmth? I had heard you should cover three sides so the snake feels more enclosed. I'm wondering if instead of just covering it with paper or something, it might not be beneficial to cover it with a couple layers of polar fleece, and do the same for the lid.

I have fleece lying around the house (I used to sew a lot) that would work for this, but I hate to cut up large pieces of fabric if it's not actually going to do any good. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Heather

[xdeus]

Hi Heather,

I've had success with tub setups by taping the Flexwatt directly to the bottom of the tub (underneath) using aluminum tape. I don't like using electrical tape as it tends to get gummy when warmed up and won't stick as well. Then just leave a small gap underneath the tub by raising it up 1/4 or 1/2 an inch or so.

I also wouldn't place the thermostat probe inside the tub. Even though the probe would be buried, Balls can move it around and if the probe gets moved to an area away from the Flexwatt, the thermostat would run hot and you would risk burning your snake or worse. Instead, tape the thermostat probe directly to the Flexwatt on the outside. You will probably have to set the thermostat at a higher temperature in order to acheive the proper temps in the warm-side hide, but once you set it correctly you shouldn't have to worry about it anymore. You can then use a digital thermometer like the Acurite in order to get the temps on the warm and cool sides.

[lillyorchid]

I have the probe ducktapped to the bottom of the tub. As for the flexwatt goes I have that ducktapped to my's rack shelf.

[tmlowe5704]

Mine is the same as Allison. Another thing you can do that I have seen Joe Haggard and Tim Bailey do is cut away a small piece of a tub or the lid and tape the probe to that and put that over the heat tape. So you don't have the probe under the tub or in it if you are worried about that.

[rabernet]

I would really caution about having duct tape inside an enclosure. Get a tiny corner of that to come loose and get stuck on your snake.....not good!

I personally tape mine to the bottom of the tub (on the outside) with aluminum plumbing tape (I got mine at Home Depot in the plumbing department), then I tape the flexwatt over that, affixing it to the bottom of the tub.

I think it's a matter of preference whether you put it inside or outside the tub. For myself, outside makes more sense, as I don't want any tape inside my enclosure.

[kavmon]

Hi Heather,

I've had success with tub setups by taping the Flexwatt directly to the bottom of the tub (underneath) using aluminum tape. I don't like using electrical tape as it tends to get gummy when warmed up and won't stick as well. Then just leave a small gap underneath the tub by raising it up 1/4 or 1/2 an inch or so.

I also wouldn't place the thermostat probe inside the tub. Even though the probe would be buried, Balls can move it around and if the probe gets moved to an area away from the Flexwatt, the thermostat would run hot and you would risk burning your snake or worse. Instead, tape the thermostat probe directly to the Flexwatt on the outside. You will probably have to set the thermostat at a higher temperature in order to acheive the proper temps in the warm-side hide, but once you set it correctly you shouldn't have to worry about it anymore. You can then use a digital thermometer like the Acurite in order to get the temps on the warm and cool sides.

bam, bingo, done!!

i agree!



vaughn