How to properly use VE thermostat

Hey guys! I finally decided to purchase a rack system for my 3 adult ball pythons and another for my juveniles. As well as a Vivarium Electronics thermostat to regulate temperatures.

My question is how to properly place the probe to get the most accurate reading possible?

I've seen so many answers, from between the tub and Flexwatt, to in the enclosure itself.

I live in a colder part of Virginia and keeping temps up has been a constant battle for me.

Will the Flexwatt be enough to maintain appropriate ambient heat? What else can I use if it's not enough? Btw they are the RhinoRAXXX from Boaphiles Plastic.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Somewhere there should be a small access hole near the back end of the rack so that you can insert the probe. I sandwich it in between the tape and the rack itself, in a spot where it won't be easily dislodged and where it won't interfere with the tub sliding in and out.

Bear in mind that the temperature at the probe probably won't be the same as the belly heat. I start mine at 90*F, let it run for an hour, then use an IR thermometer to check the temperature of the tub on the hot side, and adjust the thermostat setting up or down as needed.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Somewhere there should be a small access hole near the back end of the rack so that you can insert the probe. I sandwich it in between the tape and the rack itself, in a spot where it won't be easily dislodged and where it won't interfere with the tub sliding in and out.

Bear in mind that the temperature at the probe probably won't be the same as the belly heat. I start mine at 90*F, let it run for an hour, then use an IR thermometer to check the temperature of the tub on the hot side, and adjust the thermostat setting up or down as needed.

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So the rack on the bottom, then probe, then tape? Just want to make sure I got that right lol.

How do you position yours so it doesn't interfere with the tubs sliding in and out? Can you tape or glue them down somehow or no? I feel like with all the heat that's probably not a good idea.

Thank you for your help!

It depends on how the tape runs. For back heat I insert the probe so that it would be near the bottom of a tub. For belly heat the probe goes under the tape on a shelf, close to one of the side walls so the tub can slide in and out without running over it.
BTW if you're not registered on VAHerps.com yet, join, and ask for help there if you can't figure this out. There are quite a few members in your area.

Just remember that heat tape is more for a hot spot than ambient.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Just remember that heat tape is more for a hot spot than ambient.

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Is there anything else you could recommend to increase ambient heat that will work with a tub rack system?

I put all my racks in one room and heat that room independently of the rest of the house, using a space heater on a Ranco thermostat.