New Rack, New Thermostat, Probe Help?

So, we've built a new rack and got a new thermostat to go with it, but we're having a bit of an issue. The thermostat is set to 89, but the inside of our test tub is showing 97. This seems to be caused by a small gap between the probe itself and the heat tape that no amount of fiddling has been able to eliminate. Currently, the probe itself is open to the air with a piece of duct tape across the cord leading to the probe to hold it in place. Would it be safe to use a piece of duct or electrical tape across the probe to make contact with the heat tape, or is there another resolution to this? We didn't have this issue with our last rack (the probe is positioned using the same method, and lays smack against the tape), so I'm hoping for the voice of experience to give me a hand here.

I did read this thread but there seemed to be some back and forth going on there, with no real solid answer.

Where is the location of the probe? In a tub or on the heat tape?

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Where is the location of the probe? In a tub or on the heat tape?

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On the heat tape.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by SmoothScales

On the heat tape.

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i'm assuming it's touching the heat tape, but is it under it? like sandwiched between the heat tape and rack (probably in a carved channel)? or resting on top of the heat tape between tubs?

the 97degree temp in tub indicates the t-stat probe is not reading your heat tape temp correctly therefore not turning off or holding stable at 89. this could be due to improper placement/contact or overexposure of the probe (to air). make sure the probe is directly in contact with the black heating element of the heat tape and cover the flip side/non-contact side with aluminum tape.

I've found that in my rack I often have to set the herpstat at a lower temp as the tubs hold heat . Meaning to keep the hotspot at around 94 95 I have to set it for around 83-87 ... That might just be my rack . I'll know better when I set up my v18 rack later tonite


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