for all you pro tubbers

I feel like I've asked a million questions on this forum, but it's the best way I know to get the answers I need, so here goes another: I recently switched to a tub because that glass tank was just too much of a pain to heat, and I like the tub a lot, and so does my BP it seems (The Admiral), and my temps are much easier to control, but my humidity is too high now. Here comes the tricky part: I have to use 11" flexwatt on both the hot and cool side to keep temps stable, and they are about 4 inches shy of touching in the middle, which is where the water dish is. My humidity continues to go up (sometimes up to 80-90%), which is clearly not good, and I believe it is due to having the water dish partly on each side of the flexwatt, but what else could I do to lower it??? I need the heat for my snake to be comfortable, and he can't go without water, so where does that leave me? I've been pondering some ideas, but nothing seems to work. If you've got thoughts on this, please let me know.

Side note: I'm using a 1/2 or less of aspen (just because I like the looks), but it maybe hindering my ambient air temps, will newspaper increase ambient air temps better?

Either drill holes in the sides or melt them with a soldering gun

put some more holes in the tub:)

It's totally awesome that you ask questions - that's what this forum is here for!!


Do you have holes at all in the tub?? I think a lot of us here got a soldering iron from walmart (i think they are about 8 bucks?) and burned holes in the side. I think i have about 3 rows, around 1/2 apart. It's stinking, so i would do it outside or a ventilated area - but it works great!
Having the waterdish on the flex is generally not a problem if you do the above :)

Try simply cutting the Flexwatt down to size. Are you using 1ft sections of 11"? If so you can probably just cut it down to half that, 6 inches or around that.

You cannot cut 11" flexwatt any smaller than 12" lengths.

Like the others said experiment w/ placing some holes in the tub until you get temps/humidity where it needs to be.
Remember w/ the water dish being on the flex and warming to change it very regular as it can become breeding ground for bacteria

Quote:

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Originally Posted by muddoc

You cannot cut 11" flexwatt any smaller than 12" lengths.

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actually - not true. As long as you cut the clear plastic inbetween the black heating (zig-zagged), it'll be fine. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adizziedoll

actually - not true. As long as you cut the clear plastic inbetween the black heating (zig-zagged), it'll be fine. :)

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Well, you're not supposed to cut it. The little bit of plastic you leave by cutting in between those zig zags could melt away in certain situations and become a fire hazard.

This is directly from Calorique (Flexwatt manufacturer):

When cutting tape: 3” & 4” – never cut through the black stripe. 11” always cut on the cut line.

Is there anywhere online I can buy a soldering gun from?...I live in the states but I can't get to a wal - mart and home depot does not sell those..