Back up thermostat is a MUST!! learn from my mistake

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Originally Posted by ctrlfreq

The question now is, since an actual failure of either thermostat would kill power to the rack completely, is it really a backup, or just a dead-man's switch ;)

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I think its a matter of semantics. Call it what you will, but the point of a back up (or dead man's switch) is to save your snakes if something goes wrong.

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Originally Posted by ctrlfreq

Given that your problem was the thermostat running full-bore, how would a backup have helped you?

I second the earlier comment about sticking the probe to the flexwatt with foil tape though. We've got our probes setup that way, and they don't move at all.

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seriously....you are too freakin smart my friend.:O:weirdface

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Originally Posted by ctrlfreq

The question now is, since an actual failure of either thermostat would kill power to the rack completely, is it really a backup, or just a dead-man's switch ;)

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Hmm...I'm not sure the definition of a dead-man's switch. The value of the thermostat can be explained in terms of "expected value" of the outcome, which I followed through in painful detail in another post.

Put succicently: You have one thermostat and it fails in ON position, your snakes die. You are out potentially thousands of dollars, many hours/years of time investment, loss of breeding plans, not to mention any emotional trauma you may endure at the thought of your collection cooking. You have two thermostats and it fails in OFF position, your snakes get a little bit chilly, but are otherwise fine.

JonV

Pat, he can be even more mind-boggling in person! My brain has "duh" moments, haha :D

Does everyone have their probe taped directly to the flexwatt or to the underside of the tub? Mine are taped to the underside of the tubs right now but I have had issues with the probe coming off, no matter if I use foil tape or electrical tape, when I have to move the tub to clean it, etc.

Here the probe is stuck to the inside bottom of an empty tub with either duct tape or foil tape. Works out well for me.

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Originally Posted by icygirl

Does everyone have their probe taped directly to the flexwatt or to the underside of the tub?

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We strap ours directly to the flexwatt, but it can go either way.

If you measure from in the tub, set the thermostat at the temperature point you want. If you strap it to the flexwatt, you will most likely need to go a few degrees higher (we run about +4), since the tubs will insulate against the heat somewhat, and the thermostat will shut off when the flexwatt itself reaches the set-point.

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Originally Posted by nevohraalnavnoj

You have two thermostats and it fails in OFF position, your snakes get a little bit chilly, but are otherwise fine.

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Yeah, I agree it's a good idea, but I'm just imagining a rack with 4 thermostats on it, two to make sure the rack stays warm, and two so it doesn't get too warm :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by ctrlfreq

Yeah, I agree it's a good idea, but I'm just imagining a rack with 4 thermostats on it, two to make sure the rack stays warm, and two so it doesn't get too warm :rolleyes:

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Small price to pay when $1000's and countless hours, expectations, dreams, etc are on theline.

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Originally Posted by blueapplepaste

Small price to pay when $1000's and countless hours, expectations, dreams, etc are on theline.

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Amen to that ;)