Tubs over the thermostat probe?

So I just have a question. If you put your tub over the thermostat probe, wouldnt the tub get less heat because its not really on the heat tape? Oh and if you dont put your tub over the probe, where on the flexwatt heat tape do you put your probe? (I'm asking this because I never see my ball pythons except for one ball python move around in their tubs and I'm just wondering if they arent gaining enough heat. But I check their heads and they don't have any signs of RI and they are still eating great)

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

So I just have a question. If you put your tub over the thermostat probe, wouldnt the tub get less heat because its not really on the heat tape? Oh and if you dont put your tub over the probe, where on the flexwatt heat tape do you put your probe? (I'm asking this because I never see my ball pythons except for one ball python move around in their tubs and I'm just wondering if they arent gaining enough heat. But I check their heads and they don't have any signs of RI and they are still eating great)

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Are you using back or belly heat?

If you using back heat (which it sounds like you are) than you want to tape the probe directly to the flexxwatt using a heat safe tape. You should invest in a thermometer or a temp gun so you can make sure the temps inside the bins are okay. On my rack I have to set the thermostat to 107 to get a reading of 88 on the warm side of the bin.

Cheers.

nope using belly heat. TUBS ON THERMOSTAT PROBE

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

nope using belly heat. TUBS ON THERMOSTAT PROBE

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ohhh lol sorry I had to read over your post 3 or 4 times before I could make any sense of it. You want the probe directly on the heat tape in any circumstance. The only way to know if your temps are okay inside the bin is by putting a thermometer probe inside the bin, or by using a temp gun. You may have to raise the temperature of the heat tape but that's okay.

Cheers.

But does it matter where the thermostat location is on the heat tape? like can I put the thermostat probe anywhere on the heat tape that allow the tub have that space needed?

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

But does it matter where the thermostat location is on the heat tape? like can I put the thermostat probe anywhere on the heat tape that allow the tub have that space needed?

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yes you can - the temperature of the heat tape should be uniform through out the entire strip and you can tape the probe anywhere on it.

Cheers.

i carved a slim slit into my shelf that the probe fits in. This allows the heat tape to lie flush over the probe and the shelf ends up flush. hope this helps, let me know if it doesn't make sense

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Originally Posted by PweEzy

i carved a slim slit into my shelf that the probe fits in. This allows the heat tape to lie flush over the probe and the shelf ends up flush. hope this helps, let me know if it doesn't make sense

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This is how I figured most belly heat racks were built, which is why I was so confused LOL

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Originally Posted by decensored

This is how I figured most belly heat racks were built, which is why I was so confused LOL

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So you put the probe on the heat tape and not inside the tub?

I have mine inside the tub, was told thats the correct way. or does either way work, just a matter of prefrence

So this is what I did, I got a cut out a piece of the sterilite tubs that I dont use and I put that on the heat tape and the probe on the piece of sterilite tub. The tub is 90-91 but the heat tape is like 101-106. Should that be right?

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Originally Posted by PythonOutlaw

So you put the probe on the heat tape and not inside the tub?

I have mine inside the tub, was told thats the correct way. or does either way work, just a matter of prefrence

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Some people do it this way, the problem is that probes tend to wander. If your thermostat probe is inside the tub, the movement of the snake can shift the probe and the heat tape can heat up in excess and cause thermal burns, not to mention its a fire hazard. Its up to you but the risks are higher this way.

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

So this is what I did, I got a cut out a piece of the sterilite tubs that I dont use and I put that on the heat tape and the probe on the piece of sterilite tub. The tub is 90-91 but the heat tape is like 101-106. Should that be right?

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If its working for you than that's great. The method isn't necessarily as important as the results as long as the method is safe. If your seeing a temperature of 91-92 degrees and your not getting any friction or rubbing on the heat tape when you move the bin, than this is perfect. Everyone finds the method that works best for them and from the sounds of it this is a decent option.

Cheers/

The reason I don't like putting the probe in the tub is... what happens when you pull the tub out? You dont want to have to unplugged everything every time. Typically the thermostat will be higher temp than the actual tub itself. I def recommend a temp gun to check the insides of the tubs. Once you get it all set you should stay good to go! Good luck getting it all set up.

Op is your tub in a rack?

decensored probes no matter the placement must NEVER move not by snake, cat or human action. A probe moved off the heat source is a serious issue.

I would not recommend a interior probe placement for racks too much movement. But with single set ups it provides much higher accuracy and reliability of setting ESPECIALLY in cool rooms with tubs. They are such crummy things to hold heat they loose heat faster than the probe does resulting it huge discrepancies. It depends there is not real right or wrong just different ideas.

Probes must be firmly fixed in place I do a pull test if I can give a probe a pull and move shift the enclosure. I need to find something stronger to hold it in place. I also especially with flexwatt NEVER recommend not using a failsafe t-stat as well. It can get far to hot and become damaged too easily to risk not having a failsafe.

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Originally Posted by decensored

yes you can - the temperature of the heat tape should be uniform through out the entire strip and you can tape the probe anywhere on it.

Cheers.

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assuming ur using flexwatt, the temp usually is not uniform. there is usually a +/-5% difference. this means if you heat too 100 it could vary from 95-105.

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Originally Posted by isanta666

assuming ur using flexwatt, the temp usually is not uniform. there is usually a +/-5% difference. this means if you heat too 100 it could vary from 95-105.

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Than where do you suggest putting the probe of the thermostat?

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Originally Posted by PweEzy

i carved a slim slit into my shelf that the probe fits in. This allows the heat tape to lie flush over the probe and the shelf ends up flush. hope this helps, let me know if it doesn't make sense

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wait so your thermostat probe is under the heat tape?

Mine is too under the tape in the rack it is built with a channel t the back the probe is in that channel. I placed the probe center under the middle of the middle section.

wait why? heat goes up not down.

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

Than where do you suggest putting the probe of the thermostat?

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i put mine on top of the flewatt in the center. I'm able to do this because my sterlite tubes have a gap between the bottom of the tub the surface of the shelf. The gap is big enough for the probe to fit.

The probe is in contact with the underside of the flexwatt. In my case I place a strip of aluminum tape over the probe under the flexwatt to help even out the flexwatts variations and help transfer the heat I am only loosing a few degrees to the error and plastic tub.