Thermostat probe placement

I am talking with my rack builder who has been building racks for awhile and he advised me to place the thermostat probe next to my tub on the heat tape. I always thought the probe was supposed to go on the heat tape and under the tub it atleat the probe should always be in contact with the probe to get accurate readings. Just wondering what is true. Can the probe safely be next to the tub in the open air

I have mine attached to the heatmat between the tubs and it works fine. :)

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Originally Posted by dr del

I have mine attached to the heatmat between the tubs and it works fine. :)

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That is how I have my probe on my c serpents rack, but will a thermostat probe work correctly if it has access to open air and it is just sitting on the heat tape next to the tub?

The rack system is one of averages. The probe will set basically correct at one location the other spots often vary the cooler the room the more they can vary. I actually run 4 probes on my rack as the room is quite cool and no matter what I did the rack top bottom was quite different. The probe you described should be fine as long as the room is basically close to the cool end temp, around 80ºF. It maybe farther from consistent as the room temp falls below this point.

My room isn't 80, but my c serpents rack where the probe is on the heat tape,but under the tub holds temps pretty well and consistent. I have just never seen a rack where the probe doesn't fit under the tub.

The offset will likely be different, and if the room varies it may need to vary as well. My offsets vary greatly depending on which tub. The upper ones have a small offset (set point on the stat is 92 to deliver 90, the lowest is set to 98 to deliver 89) To hold basically consistent temps I needed multiple probes, the ambient temp is held by air return system.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

The offset will likely be different, and if the room varies it may need to vary as well. My offsets vary greatly depending on which tub. The upper ones have a small offset (set point on the stat is 92 to deliver 90, the lowest is set to 98 to deliver 89) To hold basically consistent temps I needed multiple probes, the ambient temp is held by air return system.

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I was under the impression that for the best results you should place the probe on the bottom tub. Since heat rises, and the probe is over taped over the heat tape at the lowermost position, your equilibration of temps will be more controlled. Peace.:gj:

The set ups I know of (two medium large breeders 200+) all use the middle the top are often a bit hotter the bottom lower. I would not suggest a rack in a room below 80º. It can be done (I am) but is a always a problem.