hydrofarm users

im using 3 strips of heat tape on hydrofarm Tstat but i want to add 2 more strips would it be ok if i connect a surge protector then add more plugs of heat tape?

As long as it doesn't exceed the wattage limit that the hydrofarm has, I think. But I could be wrong so don't take my word for it.

I am guessing you have the MTPRTC not one of the other ones they make?

MTPRTC has a Max current: 8.3 amps / 1000 watts Personally I would not want to run it too close to that 900w max for me but you should be fine as long as it is the same. I absolutely would have a failsafe however.

I have a Hydrofarm on my quarantine rack. It works fine with a surge protector. I've had a power strip filled to the max plugged into the Hydrofarm with no issue. (Yet. Knock on wood)

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

I have my hydrofarm set to 89 for this incubator im running before my girl lays.. Ill check it and sometimes gets down to 87 86.. is that normal?

on/off thermostat for the most part suck for incubating.
They have a swing of 2-5 degrees or more in some cases, making a target temperature difficult to maintain.
My first season incubating I used an on/off thermostat and did nothing but freak out over temp swings, then I got proportional thermostats and have had no issues with temp swings.

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Originally Posted by domenge

I have my hydrofarm set to 89 for this incubator im running before my girl lays.. Ill check it and sometimes gets down to 87 86.. is that normal?

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Set it higher i until you get the temp you want i had the same issue

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I am guessing you have the MTPRTC not one of the other ones they make?

MTPRTC has a Max current: 8.3 amps / 1000 watts Personally I would not want to run it too close to that 900w max for me but you should be fine as long as it is the same. I absolutely would have a failsafe however.

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i dont think i will ever get to the 900w my 4" flexwatt is only 12" long per shelf i should of added that to my post

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Originally Posted by satomi325

I have a Hydrofarm on my quarantine rack. It works fine with a surge protector. I've had a power strip filled to the max plugged into the Hydrofarm with no issue. (Yet. Knock on wood)

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

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im only trying to use 1 plug for 2ft of 4" heat tape i already have 3ft with 1 plug

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Originally Posted by JaGv

Set it higher i until you get the temp you want i had the same issue

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How does that change the fact that there is a temperature differential on on/off thermostats?

The way they work is they get up to target temperature, turn power off, let temperature fall until it hits the swing (which I believe is -2 degrees from set point) then power back on until target temperature is reached again... Repeat.

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Originally Posted by JaGv

im only trying to use 1 plug for 2ft of 4" heat tape i already have 3ft with 1 plug

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Power wise the thermostat can handle what you want to do.

As long as everything that you are heating is set up identically in every way you should be fine.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

How does that change the fact that there is a temperature differential on on/off thermostats?

The way they work is they get up to target temperature, turn power off, let temperature fall until it hits the swing (which I believe is -2 degrees from set point) then power back on until target temperature is reached again... Repeat.

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it doesn't i just set mine higher and got the temps i wanted to get on my hot spot. mine goes 2-3 degrees lower than what i set it to and goes back on. some people might not like them but its working for me

I have 14 identical 3" by 18" long strips of flexwatt on 1 hydrofarm t-stat, no problem! :gj:
Although I would'nt use a hydrofarm for an incubator, for the reasons stated previously!

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Originally Posted by Tfpets

I have 14 identical 3" by 18" long strips of flexwatt on 1 hydrofarm t-stat, no problem! :gj:
Although I would'nt use a hydrofarm for an incubator, for the reasons stated previously!

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i only use it for a rack too.. im not even close to having to use an incubator

Hydrofarms have very poor accuracy I have tested 7 now not one actually was correct. DO NOT TRUST the reading on the hydrofarm to be correct. I have found they shift one degree over the set point and 2 under it.

The hydrofarm should be ok on a rack but I put the question to you. You have 4 or 5 animals you are invested in and care about in the rack? Why not invest in a better more reliable accurate t-stat?

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Hydrofarms have very poor accuracy I have tested 7 now not one actually was correct. DO NOT TRUST the reading on the hydrofarm to be correct. I have found they shift one degree over the set point and 2 under it.

The hydrofarm should be ok on a rack but I put the question to you. You have 4 or 5 animals you are invested in and care about in the rack? Why not invest in a better more reliable accurate t-stat?

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ive been using it for a month now after i got my temps right i haven't had an issue