Fixing the problem

I've some problems with the temps in my cage. I have a 12"x11" of flexwatt with a dimmer on a 20g long. Im going to replace the dimmer with a thermastat. My cool end temp hovers around 75 day and 73 night. So my question to all this is. Should I get a 2ft peice of flexwatt and start out with 12" under the cage then slowly put more under the cage till the cool end goes up. Will this compromise the themal gradient. Also is 2-3 degree drop at night ok. One more question with the diy humidifier do you run that 24/7 or on a timer.

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Originally Posted by greenmonkey51

I've some problems with the temps in my cage. I have a 12"x11" of flexwatt with a dimmer on a 20g long. Im going to replace the dimmer with a thermastat. My cool end temp hovers around 75 day and 73 night. So my question to all this is. Should I get a 2ft peice of flexwatt and start out with 12" under the cage then slowly put more under the cage till the cool end goes up. Will this compromise the themal gradient. Also is 2-3 degree drop at night ok. One more question with the diy humidifier do you run that 24/7 or on a timer.

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The 12"x11" flexwatt should be more than enough for a 20 long. Your dimmer just doesn't do a good enough job of letting you "dial it in" more precisley ... A higher quality dimmer or better yet, a thermostat would help you big time.

And I would avoid the night time drop if at all possible. A t-stat would help you with that as well.

-adam

Well I broke down today and bought a zoo med 500R thermastat. Im hoping that this can stabilize the temps and bring up the cool end. I may hook up a small light to the thermastat and help get the cool end up. Im testing the thermastat now and hoping to get it set at 90. Whats a better secondary heat source getting a small light bulb or adding some more flexwatt.