Large Rack Question

I usually use the racks from Reptile Basics and I'm used to setting the thermostats up really high in order to get the temps in the tubs up to 90+. I received a large home made rack from a friend and I finally got the thing put together a few months ago. I set the thermostat at 86 just to see where the temps sat at that setting. At that temperature setting, the rack heated up to exactly 86. I added in the tubs (not all of them, only 4 out of the 12 or more it can fit) and the temps went up to 94. I lowered the temp setting on the thermostat to 84 and the temps sit at exactly 92.

Could it be the thermostat that makes the temps higher than the setting?

Something isn't right... Where is the thermostat probe?

Beat me to it....
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The thermostat probe is located on the bottom level directly on the heat tape. The thermometer is resting just behind the tub on the first level.

Verify your temperature readings with a temp gun or another more accurate device. I've seen these thermostats be off a few degrees, but not as much as that one. I've got a Helix on my incubator that is set for 85 and it keeps the temps exactly at 89. So, it is not impossible, but you need to verify the readings with multiple sources, the best of which would be a infrared temperature gun because you can take multiple quick readings.

I'm putting that on my shopping list, Don. I won't be able to get it this week, but next week for sure.

I'm just so used to having to set my thermostats so high because I keep the house so cool. 70-75. To get the ball pythons over 90 I have to set the thermostat over 100. This is the first time I've had a rack heat OVER its setting in a 70 degree apartment.

Until I get the temp gun I will take the temperature with the accurite thermometer in different spots to see if the temperature changes by level tonight and post the results.

I have my incubator set to 85 and even that is only running at 87 right now.

Are you, by chance, using aluminum tape to secure the probe to the flexwatt?? I have found that the metal tape, if covering the probe itself, can absorb the heat and cause your t-stat to give you false readings.

If you are using aluminum tape, make sure it's not covering the actual probe. Secure the probe by the wire only.

Just a thought! ;)