for all you pro tubbers

I feel like I've asked a million questions on this forum, but it's the best way I know to get the answers I need, so here goes another: I recently switched to a tub because that glass tank was just too much of a pain to heat, and I like the tub a lot, and so does my BP it seems (The Admiral), and my temps are much easier to control, but my humidity is too high now. Here comes the tricky part: I have to use 11" flexwatt on both the hot and cool side to keep temps stable, and they are about 4 inches shy of touching in the middle, which is where the water dish is. My humidity continues to go up (sometimes up to 80-90%), which is clearly not good, and I believe it is due to having the water dish partly on each side of the flexwatt, but what else could I do to lower it??? I need the heat for my snake to be comfortable, and he can't go without water, so where does that leave me? I've been pondering some ideas, but nothing seems to work. If you've got thoughts on this, please let me know.

Side note: I'm using a 1/2 or less of aspen (just because I like the looks), but it maybe hindering my ambient air temps, will newspaper increase ambient air temps better?

Either drill holes in the sides or melt them with a soldering gun

put some more holes in the tub:)

It's totally awesome that you ask questions - that's what this forum is here for!!


Do you have holes at all in the tub?? I think a lot of us here got a soldering iron from walmart (i think they are about 8 bucks?) and burned holes in the side. I think i have about 3 rows, around 1/2 apart. It's stinking, so i would do it outside or a ventilated area - but it works great!
Having the waterdish on the flex is generally not a problem if you do the above :)

Try simply cutting the Flexwatt down to size. Are you using 1ft sections of 11"? If so you can probably just cut it down to half that, 6 inches or around that.

You cannot cut 11" flexwatt any smaller than 12" lengths.

Like the others said experiment w/ placing some holes in the tub until you get temps/humidity where it needs to be.
Remember w/ the water dish being on the flex and warming to change it very regular as it can become breeding ground for bacteria

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Originally Posted by muddoc

You cannot cut 11" flexwatt any smaller than 12" lengths.

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actually - not true. As long as you cut the clear plastic inbetween the black heating (zig-zagged), it'll be fine. :)

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Originally Posted by adizziedoll

actually - not true. As long as you cut the clear plastic inbetween the black heating (zig-zagged), it'll be fine. :)

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Well, you're not supposed to cut it. The little bit of plastic you leave by cutting in between those zig zags could melt away in certain situations and become a fire hazard.

This is directly from Calorique (Flexwatt manufacturer):

When cutting tape: 3” & 4” – never cut through the black stripe. 11” always cut on the cut line.

Is there anywhere online I can buy a soldering gun from?...I live in the states but I can't get to a wal - mart and home depot does not sell those..

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Originally Posted by carmich132

I have to use 11" flexwatt on both the hot and cool side to keep temps stable, and they are about 4 inches shy of touching in the middle, which is where the water dish is.

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Why do you need flex watt on the cool side to keep temps stable? What is your ambient room temp? I have never heard of some one using heat tape like you describe on the cool side. What temps do you have each strip set at?

thanks for the info Bill!! I've been using a few pieces like that for a year now, but I never thought of it like that. Guess i will be making an order soon!

pfan : i think a lot of us use flexwatt on the cool side because our herps are not kept in a specialized room 84 degree room ;)

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Originally Posted by Ballpython2

Is there anywhere online I can buy a soldering gun from?...I live in the states but I can't get to a wal - mart and home depot does not sell those..

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Home Depot does sell them. In fact, they'll have lots more to choose from than Wal Mart. ;) Just ask someone where they are located...probably near the electrical stuff.

In addition to more holes in the tub, have you tried using a smaller water bowl?

Adizziedoll hit the nail on the head, my room temps fluctuate so much and never get high enough in the first place (I live in a cheap apartment at Virginia Tech) that I decided it was best to use flexwatt on the cool side. Also, I'm going to try putting more holes in the tub, and hopefully this will do the trick. Thanks for everyone's help.

Just a note on holes in the tub--I don't have a soldering iron, but I have an electric drill, and that works just fine.

One caution, though: do be careful, because you *can* crack the plastic if you're too rough. I've actually never had it happen, but I know others in the rodent fancy (plastic tubs are used extensively among rodent breeders) that have, and it's a real bummer to put a lot of time into preparing a container only to have it ruined at the end.

If you want to be super-extra-cautious, you can put a block of wood behind the tub while you're drilling to give it extra support. But I've had good luck just holding it with a firm grip and drilling carefully, being sure not to twist or turn too much while drilling, and not pressing too too hard. Make sure your bit is sharp and your battery charged (if it's cordless).

Heather

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Originally Posted by Ballpython2

Is there anywhere online I can buy a soldering gun from?...I live in the states but I can't get to a wal - mart and home depot does not sell those..

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Look by the welders and air tools, they are usually there

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Originally Posted by JLC

probably near the electrical stuff.

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If its not there check by the plumbing supplies. But they do have them.
Also, I bought mine at Radioshack.

Thanks Bill.
I didn't say it was impossible, however, I have some racks that have tens of thousands of dollars worth of snakes in them, and don't wish to take the chance of ignoring the suggestions of the manufacturer. However, if someone would like to cut between the heat conducters, it is possible. Have fun with that.

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Originally Posted by muddoc

Thanks Bill.

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Originally Posted by adizziedoll

thanks for the info Bill!!

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:sweeet::sweeet::sweeet:

If the soldering wand doesnt work, why dont you try a smaller water bowl ?