Herpstat 2 Question

So I just got my new racks in today and my Herpstat 2 will be in today. I ordered a CB-70 rack and a sweaterbox rack. I also need a thermostat for my incubator I'm building. Can I plug my racks into a powerstrip and then into my herpstat? The racks both use 4" belly heat but they have different amounts of feet of heat tape (because of the difference in size of the racks). Can I do this or do I need to run them independently? Here's the racks:

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5049/39216780.jpg

They need to be run on their own thermostat.

I'd suggest something like the herpstat intro (or intro +) for an incubator.

The racks do not need to be run independantly. There are 2 temp sensors on the Herpstat 2 and that is what it is meant to be used for. Plug the racks directly into the Herpstat 2 and then plug the Herpstat 2 into a nice surge protector. Ensure you are monitoring the proper sensor on the proper output control of the Herpstat 2.

I'd get a Herpstat 1 for the incubator.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

The racks do not need to be run independantly. There are 2 temp sensors on the Herpstat 2 and that is what it is meant to be used for. Plug the racks directly into the Herpstat 2 and then plug the Herpstat 2 into a nice surge protector. Ensure you are monitoring the proper sensor on the proper output control of the Herpstat 2.

I'd get a Herpstat 1 for the incubator.

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That is what independently means... 1 rack per thermostat/thermostat channel.

The OP is asking if they can run 3 different heat sources on 2 thermostat channels. And the answer is no you cannot do that safely.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

That is what independently means... 1 rack per thermostat/thermostat channel.

The OP is asking if they can run 3 different heat sources on 2 thermostat channels. And the answer is no you cannot do that safely.

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Yes...that's what I was asking. I can't afford another herpstat just yet (especially after just spending a small fortune on new racks and a herpstat 2). Perhaps I can ask for it as a gift for my birthday this April. I know I want to run the incubator on the Herpstat and I'll run one rack on the other output. I'll just use my hydrofarm on the other rack until I can get another Herpstat.

I have both the cb70 and the sweaterbox racks for reptile basic. they are both ran using different temp probes. yes the herpstat 2 has 2 probes and 2 slots for the powercord coming off of the flexwatt. and will work for your setup. you will just need to get another thermostat when you build your incubator.

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Originally Posted by don15681

I have both the cb70 and the sweaterbox racks for reptile basic. they are both ran using different temp probes. yes the herpstat 2 has 2 probes and 2 slots for the powercord coming off of the flexwatt. and will work for your setup. you will just need to get another thermostat when you build your incubator.

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I'm actually building my incubator this weekend, so I'll run it off the herpstat. I'm also going to run the sweaterbox off the herpstat. The CB-70 rack I'll run off a hydrafarm that I've got laying around until I can purchase another.

I have a new question. What's the difference between the "dimming" and "pulse" setting and which is better. I mean...I understand that pulse is an on/off type setting and dimming simply controls the amount of power to the heat tape...but what is better to use? Right now I have it set on dimming. And for my incubator, which setting is best for that?

I'm not an expert on incubating or anything but I think that dimming would be the better option in order to keep a steady temp as opposed to having it fluctuate from the drop needed to initiate the pulse and then putting it up all the way to the needed tempature which would only last so long until it drops again. Unless you can set what temp is needed to initiate the pulse. Either way could probably work. But I would use dimming. Again I'm no expert on the herp stats or incubating! I'm just giving my opinion.

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

I have a new question. What's the difference between the "dimming" and "pulse" setting and which is better. I mean...I understand that pulse is an on/off type setting and dimming simply controls the amount of power to the heat tape...but what is better to use? Right now I have it set on dimming. And for my incubator, which setting is best for that?

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You would be talking about the proportional and non proportional mode. Proportional mode( dimming ) is a much more accurate way to power your equipment as it fluctuates the power going to the equipment keeping it at a nice steady temp.Usually in the tenths of 1 degree. while non proportional uses an on/off affect.Usually +/-2 or more degrees. The herpstats come with a setting that controls the " swing " of the temperature. I would definitely say that in a situation as delicate as an incubator, I would use the proportional setting without a doubt!