Herpstat 2 + 2 tanks ???

Hi. I am new to the forum and is still learning on how to properly take care of my BPs. Here's the situation, I have 2 30x12x12 tanks both with zoo med heating pads. I have been doing a lot of observation lately, and it seems like both pads produce the same amount of heat at the same time (both being monitored by Acu-Rite digital with probe). I just received my Herpstat 2 in the mail today and my question is: Can I just run one Herpstat probe to one of the heating pads and plug both heating pads in output #1? I imagine since both heating pads produce the same amount of heat at the same time, the thermostat probe will trigger one of them but controlling both. The reason why I'm asking this is because I'm saving output #2 for my rack that I will be picking up next week. Pls. let me know if it is possible and if there's any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

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Originally Posted by utoyz

Hi. I am new to the forum and is still learning on how to properly take care of my BPs. Here's the situation, I have 2 30x12x12 tanks both with zoo med heating pads. I have been doing a lot of observation lately, and it seems like both pads produce the same amount of heat at the same time (both being monitored by Acu-Rite digital with probe). I just received my Herpstat 2 in the mail today and my question is: Can I just run one Herpstat probe to one of the heating pads and plug both heating pads in output #1? I imagine since both heating pads produce the same amount of heat at the same time, the thermostat probe will trigger one of them but controlling both. The reason why I'm asking this is because I'm saving output #2 for my rack that I will be picking up next week. Pls. let me know if it is possible and if there's any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

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As long as the pads are exactly the same (size and wattage), then it shouldn't be a problem to run both on the one probe.

satomi325 ~ thanks a lot. i'll just constantly keep an eye on the temp. what temp do people usually set the thermostat? i know the probe goes in between the bottom of the tank and heat pad, so factor the glass and then the substrate. btw I'm using almost an inch of aspen. thanks again

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Originally Posted by utoyz

satomi325 ~ thanks a lot. i'll just constantly keep an eye on the temp. what temp do people usually set the thermostat? i know the probe goes in between the bottom of the tank and heat pad, so factor the glass and then the substrate. btw I'm using almost an inch of aspen. thanks again

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You may have to fiddle around with the thermostat settings a bit.
To achieve a 88-90 hot spot in the tubs, my thermostat is set to 98. So maybe start around 90 and work your way from there.

I often wondered about this. What if that mat or that run of Flexwatt goes bad that the probe is monitoring...isn't the thermostat going to try to raise the temp thus cooking the other snake :O or at least the other snake's mat?

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Originally Posted by ballophile

I often wondered about this. What if that mat or that run of Flexwatt goes bad that the probe is monitoring...isn't the thermostat going to try to raise the temp thus cooking the other snake :O or at least the other snake's mat?

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You are correct. That is the risk of running two tanks on one probe. If the probe fails then both tanks would be affected by the malfunction instead of each running individually.

Yet I see many runs of flex-watt plugged into one "powerstrip" and that powerstrip plugged into a Helix..hmmm. Must not happen too often, but if I am shelling out that kind of cash for snakes and equipment, I guess I would rather be safe than sorry...besides, to me, it's ONLY about giving these animals a GREAT life.

I think the key is by still keeping an eye on the thermometer. And in my experience, before I pick up a digital thermometer with probe, both my BPs wouldn't go in the hidebox where the heating pads are. I just then found out that the pads were putting out 130deg.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballophile

I often wondered about this. What if that mat or that run of Flexwatt goes bad that the probe is monitoring...isn't the thermostat going to try to raise the temp thus cooking the other snake :O or at least the other snake's mat?

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That's why you need to be vigilant and check temps and connections often.
Flexwatt and heat mats do not last forever. They need to be replaced every few years.