heat tape temps

Getting my newly built rack dialed in! I am using THG (TGH?) heat tape and an arduino for my thermostat. I used 4" tape at about 2 feet lengths for 2 snakes. Then I taped the edges of the heat tape with metal tape. I also put metal tape on the bottom of the tub for a heat sink like effect. My questions are does that sound like a safe and efficient setup and what does the actual heat tape temp run in relation to the temperature of the hub? Thanks! No snakes in them yet :)

You need to insulate the 4 corners before the foil tape goes on unless you want a surprise.

Temp all depends on your room temps.

Thanks Pit, I insulated the connections but not where I clipped the excess off. No issues yet but I will make sure I correct that. It seems to max out at about 110 for me when plugged directly into an outlet. Luckily with the thermometer setup I can code a ramp up cycle for quick heat up and then a sustain cycle for moderating temperature. With my thermostat I can have virtually unlimited probes and relays controlled by a single micro controller. It was cheaper to build than a base model thermo offered by reptilebasics. I even have the ability to add text messaging or email alerts. I plan on making a build thread for anyone else interested. So far I'm in it about $70 for parts. Not bad for the flexibility it offers!

Just an update for anyone interested, I still plan on making a how to on building your own thermostat. So far mine has been running strong for over a month. Stable temps and a tons of options for expanding in the future :gj:

How much would supplys for this tstat cost? Sounds like it would be could to know how to do

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Originally Posted by SnakeBalls

Just an update for anyone interested, I still plan on making a how to on building your own thermostat. So far mine has been running strong for over a month. Stable temps and a tons of options for expanding in the future :gj:

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Im interested in seeing how you did this please do a video! If not u can PM me that would also be nice

I would love to know how you did that!!Please share the wisdom!

I'm sorry guys I've been slacking on this! To be honest my work blocked this website a few months ago and I hardly find myself on here anymore, but I promise to change that! I have a few different write ups I want to do but this will be at the top of my list.

So far no hiccups with it! (Knock on wood..)

I haven't wired a humidity sensor in yet but I plan on doing it very soon.

I only recently discovered the Arduino. I was thinking of trying to make some thermostats myself out of it and found this thread. Have you made the how-to video yet?