Flexwatt reading over 115 degrees with laser thermometer. safe or not?

Well I have a melamine rack I made myself with back heat. In order for the temps to be 92.0 in the hot spot the heat tape while running *on/off thermostat* is about 115 to 120. Is this safe? It doesnt stay that way for very long but it still worries me. Anyone know?

hat's tyne issue with On/Off style thermostats, they run the flexwatt at full blast then turn them completely off to keep the desired temperature. running flexwatt that hot reduces the life of the heating element, but as long as the thermostat doesn't fail shouldn't be excessively dangerous.

Looks like its time to upgrade, I've been using a Hydro-farm, and that makes me nervous.

That's why I use herpstats.

Just got one, but thats going to my Incubator:(

I have a newer rack with back heat as well. I have to set my Herpstat to 114 for 90 degree hotspot.. Been fine so far.

With flexwatt heat tape, proportional T-stats are the way to go. It will greatly extend the life of the flexwatt.

I have back heat as well. The hot spot temps in the tub is 88-89. The thermostat is set to ~100. And the flexwatt itself is ~115.

No problems yet.

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Same here - I have one backheat unit that is regulated with a Helix - I have the Helix set to 104 in order to maintain a 90 degree hotside. I haven't had any problems.

With back heat you will have to run a huge increase in temp because you are heating the air and not the contact surface. I am not a fan of back heat even though my hatchling rack I built has it LOL
As long as all your connections are good, you should be too.