Question about heating a tub

(caps are just for emphasis so nothing is confused)

Yes, the flexwatt has to be plugged into the thermostat for the thermostat to be able to control the temperature. You cannot just plug flexwatt into the wall as it will catch fire and melt.

Once you get everything in the mail, you will turn the tub over and tape the flexwatt onto the bottom of the tub(preferably long ways). Wal-Mart has foil tape for about $6 a roll.

You will then tape the THERMOSTAT probe IN BETWEEN the tub and the flexwatt. Turn the tub right side up and secure your THERMOMETER probes to the inside of the tub above the flexwatt.

Plug the hot side flexwatt directly into the thermostat power strip.
Plug the cool side flexwatt into a DIMMER and plug the dimmer into the THERMOSTAT. Dim the dimmer down about 2/3's of the way for starters.

Set the thermostat setpoint to 100 or so. This will account for loss of heat and should get you proper temps inside the tub.

Put 2-3 sheets of newspaper on top(or a thin layer of aspen or cypress, whatever you choose to use) Thin layer equals 1/2" to 1".

Let the tub sit for 4-6 hours to settle.

Check the temperatures on the digital thermometers and adjust both the thermostat and dimmer as needed. Once everything is at the proper temps of 92-95 warm side, 82-84 cool side, 10 degree difference between sides, then you can decorate and whatnot.

Make sure to get some bungee cords or some binder clips(office supply section) to hold that lid on or you'll have an escapee! :D

Ok, that makes perfect sense. I wasn't understanding how everything fit together. This picture from the reptilebasic site makes it a little more clear too.

http://reptilebasics.com/image.php?id=18&type=D

Well, I think I'll give Rich a call tomorrow and order everything I need.

Thanks for all the help!

Don't forget to run over to Home Depot or Lowe's and get that dimmer :) It's in the lighting section.

Can the use of the flex watt be used on a glass tank as well? Like the same way, the tape on the bottom and on the side?

what is that foil tape called? I cant find it on walmarts website.
Thanks

The thermostat will have a probe and a place to plug in the flexwatt or UTH. There are thermometers with probes,they only read the temps.