Rheostat for flexwatt

[djansen]

do i have to buy a rehostat for each strip of flex watt i use? i have 12 tubs so do i need 12 rehostats? or can i use the flexwatt in a S pattern and heat multiple cages with one strip?
thanks

[tmlowe5704]

do i have to buy a rehostat for each strip of flex watt i use? i have 12 tubs so do i need 12 rehostats? or can i use the flexwatt in a S pattern and heat multiple cages with one strip?
thanks

as long as they are the same size enclosures and have the same heat requirements. Just be sure not to exceed the wattage of your rheostat

[rabernet]

I would not use a rheostat, but a good quality thermostat instead. You need to know how many watts your thermostat is rated for, and if the tubs are set up identically, you could control multiple tubs with the same THERMOSTAT.


Sounds like with 12 tub set ups, you've made an investment in some new babies, so please don't scrimp on the thermostat by using a rheostat instead.

You can always call Rich at reptilebasics.com and ask him for his advice on how to best do your set-ups. Since this is his job, he would be the most qualified to advise you on how much a thermostat you might buy from him could handle and how many you may need for your set-up.

Good luck!

[djansen]

I would not use a rheostat, but a good quality thermostat instead. You need to know how many watts your thermostat is rated for, and if the tubs are set up identically, you could control multiple tubs with the same THERMOSTAT.


Sounds like with 12 tub set ups, you've made an investment in some new babies, so please don't scrimp on the thermostat by using a rheostat instead.

You can always call Rich at reptilebasics.com and ask him for his advice on how to best do your set-ups. Since this is his job, he would be the most qualified to advise you on how much a thermostat you might buy from him could handle and how many you may need for your set-up.

Good luck!

about how much would a thermostat cost? and does it have to be a reptile one or can i buy one at a hardware store?

[rabernet]

It should be a reptile one. An on/off thermostat, such as Johnson's or Ranco is going to be about $75 wired. A proportional one like Herpstat or Helix is about $125.


This is such an important investment for keeping your animals properly, I would not risk using one that's not made for reptiles.

[tmlowe5704]

I have a Johnson Controls and it does its' job for me. I also have a helix and will soon do its' job for me(incubator)

[Sadie]

I haven't heard any evidence that rheostats fail more often than thermostats, and the Barkers (VPI) actually recommend them in their book. You would have to spend the money to get a decent one, but don't assume that you need a thermostat. Do your homework on each, because they have slightly different functions, and choose the one that suits your needs. I'd say that rheostats are better for breeding, and thermostats are better with fluctuating temps and younger snakes that do not need to be cooled. Thermostats (in my reading) seem to handle greater wattage = more tubs.