Ambient Temp problem

Before it goes too far...

I have read a bunch of threads on this topic. (some confusion because of so many different oppinions)

Problem: temps and humidity are fluctuating wildly in South-Eastern NY.

This causes a 4-6 degree fluctuation (usually lower) in the tanks ambient temperature. The warm side hide stays constant between 89-90 degrees.


Here is what I have now.

two Repti-Temp 500 thermostats.
one 100w Ceramic heat emmiter
two repti-therm UTHs

currently the ceramic heat is on one thermostat and the UTHs are on another.

the UTHs regulate the warm side, and one is on the bottom of the tank and the other is on the side.

the ceramic heat emmiter is on top of the screen.

I am thinking of getting a rheostat for the ceramic emmiter and leaving it set 24/7 for the ambient temp. But with all of the fluctuations I would be forced to be constantly changing the rheostat to keep the temps to 80 deg.

Is there a self-adjusting rheostat/thermostat that keeps the power on all the time?

Or am I just being too fastidious about a 4-5 degree temperature fluctuation?

Personally, I wouldn't worry about a 5 degree fluctuation...especially since the warm side stays constant...

The reptitemp thermostats don't seem to do well with ceramic heaters, in my experience. I would go to the hardware store and get a $10 lamp dimmer for the ceramic heater, and adjust it manually. I think you will still have fluctuations, but they won't be as drastic if you let the thermostats regulate the heating pads and leave the ceramic heater at a constant temp.

you could get a proportional thermostat. They adjust the power constantly so the temp (which you set) would be consistent. The heating units would always be on but lower power