Heat gradient problem

I set up my new jasons jungle 15qt juvie rack but I can't seem to get the heat gradient I need - what could be wrong.

The temps are too high on the cool side. In order to get 88/90 on my hot side it heats the cool side up to 84/85 which is not enough gradient - help

Note this rack has back heat

I adjusted the thermostat but now have pretty much the same temp all across the tub - what is going on

Someone please come to my rescue:):)

where is the thermostat probe?
what size and watt heat tape are you using?
how long has it been setup and running?

I attAched the probe in designated spot from the mfg - he put a tie strip thru the flex watt (in the cut area) and said to secure my probe there.

It appears to be 11" flex watt - not sure of the wattage

I set it up yesterday at 1pm

I just checked it and w the helix set at 98 my temps are 88 hot and 82 cold

Thanks

11" should be about 20watts a foot.

11" may be too big and that is what is causing the entire tub to heat up. maybe if you switch to some 3" or 4" then maybe you will have a better temp gradient. also, do your tubs get right up next to your back heat? if not you may want to find a way to get it closer so you can turn the temps down a bit and not heat up the other side so much

Yes the tubs go right up against the back where the heat tape is. These racks have been around quite awhile - I can't imagine that they have the wrong sized heat tape.

I am going to call the mfg to see what he thinks. Maybe my snake room is too warm at 79/80 degrees.

I finally got 89 hot side with an 82 cool side - that isn't too bad

I think I finally got the temps where I need them - they are currently 80 cool side and 89 hot side. Are these sufficient??

That sounds like a good temp to me... :gj:

I usually like a 10 degree gradient but the tub just isn't big enough - not enough length to give me that 10 degrees