Thermometer/ Hydrometer Question..!!

[Goodwin]

I just got my new rack done. I have never used a rack before so this all new to me. I am using 11" heat tape and a Herpstat thermostat. What I need to know is what is the best way to monitor the temps and humidity in the tubs? Do you have to have a ther/hydrom in each tub?? Should I use digital ones or dial kind? Anybody with info I would appreciate it...oh, and where do i place it all in/out of the tub? Thanks!1

[Kaorte]

I use a heat gun and shoot temps every day. As for humidity, tubs are so good at holding humidity that I rarely have to check, but I have one digital hydrometer that I move around and leave in for a day to get the humidity.

[Slim]

I use a temp gun as well. I also have a digital temp/hygrometer guage on the cool end of each tub just for a quick visual check.

[Crazy4Herps]

I don't use a rack, as I only have 1 snake, but I have heard wonders about tempguns. It's probably a lot cheaper than buying individual thermometers for each tub.

[juddb]

I keep one acu-rite in each rack, just to make sure the tstats are doing thier job at a glance. I use the temp guns for core temperatures on the snakes themselves.

[Goodwin]

SO....When you use your temp gun, will it measure the AIR temperature in the tubs? Are there any companys out there that make a specific ther/hydrom designed for reptile use in tubs??? Oh, and one other thing....I havent put any holes in my tubs yet....how many do you put and WHERE?? I should tell you that my rack is a sideways rack and uses 11" Flexwatt as BACK HEAT. My tubs are 41 qt sterilites!! Thanks for all the help guys, I am new to the rack system!!!

[Slim]

The temp guns measure surface heat. You'll need an Accurite or something else to keep track of the ambient temp. IMO, the surface temps are more important, cause that's where your BP is. If your surface temps are good, the ambient usually will take care of it's self....especially in a tub set-up.

As for holes in the tubs, I have 7 holes in the front of the tubs, placed 3/4 of the way DOWN the tub, and 7 holes in the back of the tubs, placed 3/4 of the way UP the tub...heat rises, and I feel this promotes air flow. I also have 3 holes placed high on each of the long sides of the tubs...not sure they are really nessisary, but they work for my set-up.

If possible, experiment with the number of holes till you get a balance between heat and humidity.