How often do you change the flexwatt and t-stat?

Tittle says it all....
Do you ever change them?

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If they went bad yes, but I know people who have been using the same flexwatt and thermostat for years without any problems.

Only if there is a problem

Umm....never. unless they malfunction. Those things dont exactly have an expiration date.

sent from my incubator

I encourage users to check heat tape and probe placement once a week. Probe placement is especially important, as a dropped or moved probe can cause the thermostat to run your heating device wide open.

For heat tape, you want to inspect for any creases, wear or discoloring.

Cord wise, for both heat tape and thermos, always inspect for any rodent damage. I don't know WHY loose mice and rats would want to chew on a powered metal wire, but they do!

Replace any components when you find signs of wear. Being proactive about replacement can save you enormous accidental heartache.

That said, we have used heat tape and thermos for years at a time without an issue. We have also installed brand new heat tape, only to have an edge catch on a sliding tub on day number three, and have to replace an entire section.

I save all the hassle and heartache by not using flexwatt or T-Stats, or bulbs, or RHP's, or CHE's, or heat mats.

Ok, well one T-Stat, a Ranco, hooked to a room heater.


I like my Dubstep to go Wop Wop Wop Wop

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Originally Posted by Expensive hobby

I save all the hassle and heartache by not using flexwatt or T-Stats, or bulbs, or RHP's, or CHE's, or heat mats.

Ok, well one T-Stat, a Ranco, hooked to a room heater.


I like my Dubstep to go Wop Wop Wop Wop

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what about a hot spot, and your gas/electric bill? ... if my apartment had electric included id probably do this also though haha until my landlord gave me the boot.

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Originally Posted by jfaria1891

what about a hot spot, and your gas/electric bill? ... if my apartment had electric included id probably do this also though haha until my landlord gave me the boot.

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No hotspot, and my electric bill actually didn't go up much at all. Marginally. But I did insulate the heck outta the room before I went that route. Heater only turns on for about 2 mins at a time, maybe every 5-10 mins. Depending on how many times I go in or out of the room. Sometimes as long as 20-30 mins.


I like my Dubstep to go Wop Wop Wop Wop

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Originally Posted by pitontheprowl

only if there is a problem

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x2

Thanks for the replys. I was thinking about replacing the thermostats maybe once a year, because if they go bad it may set the house on fire before you notice.

About room heating, I prefer to have a hot and a cold side, that way they can choose what they want.

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I am still using flex watt that I had in my original racks 5 years ago. It had been rolled up and such when I moved. I only replace it when it quits working or a section of it goes south. T-stats are set ( mine are ) to shut off if there an issue aka probe fails or comes lose)

I only replace them if they stop working. I try to keep spares on hand just in case.

Heat tape does 'go bad' but it's not a set amount of time. I will replace my tape if I notice hot spots on the tape getting outside of an acceptable range.

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Originally Posted by rafacacho

About room heating, I prefer to have a hot and a cold side, that way they can choose what they want.

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Meh hotspots are overrated. If my snakes want to thermo regulate they get in their water for a few mins then get out. Evaporation cools them off plenty well if they are too hot, and the ambients are plenty for digestion and proper metabolism.

Whole room heating just seems to be the most stable, the most economical, less equipment to monitor constantly, less equipment to install, and hide, and certainly the least dangerous from a malfunction point of view.

The pros outweighed the cons multiple times over for me.


I like my Dubstep to go Wop Wop Wop Wop