New Rack Build. Help placing herpstat probe!

So, we built our rack from AP last night and we are very satisfied. The only thing we are trying to figure out is how to place our probe that connects to the herpstat. There is a groove in the back of each shelf leading to the heat tape, however using that one doesn't allow the probe to touch the heat tape and if we do touch the heat tape it rubs the bottom of the tub badly. The second option we thought of was to run the probe around the tub and down the side to lay directly on the heat tape, but it wont be under the tub....we just don't know which is going to give us the better temperature reading and we don't really want to keep putting it together and taking it apart to run "experiments." We have pictures!http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=1http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=0 and of course, here are our build pictures! :) http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=6http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=4http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=3http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/Br...tml?sort=3&o=2

Sorry, our pictures didn't upload correctly. Option #1 for probe placement http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366509859 Option #2 http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366509919 And our build pictures http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366510095 http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366510286http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366510214 http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1366510153

Definitely option 2. But you shouldnt have to keep taking rack apart to experiment with probe placement. Drill a small hole in back wall at center tub level and place from there.

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Originally Posted by Luciferskeeper

Definitely option 2. But you shouldnt have to keep taking rack apart to experiment with probe placement. Drill a small hole in back wall at center tub level and place from there.

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There is a small hole in the back at the center tub level; however, to tape anything down we don't have arms long enough to do so. :/ and that's the best even though its not directly under the tub?

That should be fine its preferred for the probe not to be directly under the tub, so the tub doesn't rub the probe or move it.

Thanks Lucifer. Any other opinions, anyone who has delt with this AP rack "issue"?

Any other opinions would be greatly appreciated so we can set everything up and start monitoring temps. Thanks in advance.

~CRR

Option 2. Probe needs to be directly on the heat tape. Put it vertical so its measuring more than one black heat strand, and tape it down with some aluminum tape or heavy duty heat resistant tape. Done deal. Ensure the wire is taped down as well... Or call someone who has long arms, drill a hole in the back, and have them reach back there and properly tape it down as described.

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Originally Posted by j. cooper

Option 2. Probe needs to be directly on the heat tape. Put it vertical so its measuring more than one black heat strand, and tape it down with some aluminum tape or heavy duty heat resistant tape. Done deal. Ensure the wire is taped down as well... Or call someone who has long arms, drill a hole in the back, and have them reach back there and properly tape it down as described.

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Looks like we will go with option 2. The wire is the only part we will tape down because spyder robotics specifically states not to use tape on the probe. Thanks.


~CRR

I use a small piece of foil tape on my probe main thing is you don't want to completely cover the probe or else you'll have to run your temps a lot higher in order to get the desired heat in your tub. With the probe completely covered it holds heat arount the probe which cuts off the heat source quicker.

Fold a small piece of paper a couple layers thick until it's about 3"x2" and put the paper over the probe against the heat tape. Then tightly tape down the ends of the paper to the heat tape. Now the probe will be secured without actually taping over it. The main reason for not taping over the probe is that when you do that it holds heat on/in the probe causing it to cut off/reduce power to the tape before reaching the proper temperature. People who are taping over the probe are probably running their thermostat at a higher temperature than actually necessary. Using the method I described leaves open space on either side of the probe for ventilation and the paper itself doesn't hold much heat at all. Problem solved.

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Originally Posted by TheSnakeGuy

Fold a small piece of paper a couple layers thick until it's about 3"x2" and put the paper over the probe against the heat tape. Then tightly tape down the ends of the paper to the heat tape. Now the probe will be secured without actually taping over it. The main reason for not taping over the probe is that when you do that it holds heat on/in the probe causing it to cut off/reduce power to the tape before reaching the proper temperature. People who are taping over the probe are probably running their thermostat at a higher temperature than actually necessary. Using the method I described leaves open space on either side of the probe for ventilation and the paper itself doesn't hold much heat at all. Problem solved.

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Thanks for the paper idea, never wouldve thought of that.

This is probably common sense but I personally would not rely solely on paper to secure the probe. I recommend taping the base.