I need some help or advice with the probe on my new reptile basics rack!!!!

Ok I have a reptile basics iris wide with belly heat and a johnsons thermo. Now the problem is that the paper said to place the probe directly onto the heat tape but when I did that the temp inside the tub doesn't seem high enough on the hotspot. I even tried bumping up the temp a little and put a piece of plastic in between the probe and heat tape. I ordered a heat gun with everything but didn't get it cause it was on back order and now I am unsure of how to tell if it is hot enough. Is there something else I can do? Or does anyone have any suggestions???? Help Please!!!! :confused::confused:

Keep the probe directly on the heat tape, you're going to need to dial in the thermostat a couple degrees higher than what you want in the tubs. I have my thermostat set to 97 right now just to give you an idea. You're also going to want to give it at least 24hrs before you go back to tweek the temps. Takes time for the heat tape to get going.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spaniard

Keep the probe directly on the heat tape, you're going to need to dial in the thermostat a couple degrees higher than what you want in the tubs. I have my thermostat set to 97 right now just to give you an idea. You're also going to want to give it at least 24hrs before you go back to tweek the temps. Takes time for the heat tape to get going.

---

So the way I have the probe now ontop of a plastic piece is wrong? It has been on for 24 hrs. and Like I said I really have no way of telling exactly how hot the hot side is untill I get the heat gun.

Whether the plastic piece is there or not doesn't make a difference, I personally wouldn't use it because its just another piece of something that can be dislodged and mess with the probe placement. You want to make sure that the probe is completely covered by tape also.

As far telling how hot it is without a thermometer thats kinda hard. Assuming our body temps are 98.6 if you touched the hotspot is shouldn't feel hot but slightly warm.

Do you have to house snakes in this rack right now? If not I would just sit tight until the temp gun came in.

As far telling how hot it is without a thermometer thats kinda hard. Assuming our body temps are 98.6 if you touched the hotspot is shouldn't feel hot but slightly warm.

Do you have to house snakes in this rack right now? If not I would just sit tight until the temp gun came in.[/QUOTE]

Yes I have 3 in it now and and it is just warm and considering my body temp it is probably good cause I didn't think of my body temp being over so it might be ok then. So I should completely cover the probe with tape before taping it to the heat tape?

Just make sure that when you tape it to the heat tape you cover the whole thing with tape so that there isn't any part of probe exposed to the air. You're not actually covering the probe with tape first before attaching it to the tape if that what you thought I meant.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Spaniard

Just make sure that when you tape it to the heat tape you cover the whole thing with tape so that there isn't any part of probe exposed to the air. You're not actually covering the probe with tape first before attaching it to the tape if that what you thought I meant.

---

Oh ok that is what I thought. LOL I got ya now That is the way I had it first I guess I should have left it that way! Thanks for your help! :gj:

When I bought my rack from them in person they told me not to put the probe directly on the tape, but to put it like a half an inch off the tape. Just my 2 cents. I'm sure it works either way, just have to set the thermostat at different temperatures for each way.

every rack dealer I know of advises to put the thermostat probe directly on the heat tape. (including Rich at Rbi... the guy who made your rack!)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike Cavanaugh

every rack dealer I know of advises to put the thermostat probe directly on the heat tape. (including Rich at Rbi... the guy who made your rack!)

---

Ok I read that on the paper but seen it done a few different ways and wasn't exactly sure which way was best to get the temp readings just right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BLong7211

Oh ok that is what I thought. LOL I got ya now That is the way I had it first I guess I should have left it that way! Thanks for your help! :gj:

---

No problem, anytime :)

This is just a little peeve of mine but just because our body temp is 98.6 doesn't mean your ENTIRE body is at 98.6, it represents the core body temp. Your appendages can be 10-15* cooler. So it isn't really accurate to guess the heat of something with you hands.

I would just set your thermostat at like 95* right now and wait until you get the heat gun, then you can fiddle with it more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaorte

This is just a little peeve of mine but just because our body temp is 98.6 doesn't mean your ENTIRE body is at 98.6, it represents the core body temp. Your appendages can be 10-15* cooler. So it isn't really accurate to guess the heat of something with you hands.

I would just set your thermostat at like 95* right now and wait until you get the heat gun, then you can fiddle with it more.

---

Ok good cause I have it set at 96 and thought the same thing. Wait to get the temp gun to mess with it anymore! I do have another question for you Kaorte, If it would be too hot they would move from the hot side to the cool side right? Cause all three of the ones I have housed in that rack are basking on the hot side, but is it because they just fed and need more heat or because the temp is ok??

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaorte

This is just a little peeve of mine but just because our body temp is 98.6 doesn't mean your ENTIRE body is at 98.6, it represents the core body temp. Your appendages can be 10-15* cooler. So it isn't really accurate to guess the heat of something with you hands.

I would just set your thermostat at like 95* right now and wait until you get the heat gun, then you can fiddle with it more.

---

I know but it helps people realize how warm we really are in comparison.

I have a temp gun, I went through the temp every part of my body phase with it already :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BLong7211

Ok good cause I have it set at 96 and thought the same thing. Wait to get the temp gun to mess with it anymore! I do have another question for you Kaorte, If it would be too hot they would move from the hot side to the cool side right? Cause all three of the ones I have housed in that rack are basking on the hot side, but is it because they just fed and need more heat or because the temp is ok??

---

Normally, this is how snakes get burned, they don't realize when it gets too hot. I am sure your temps are in a good range right now. If you just fed them, that is probably why they are on the hot side. They will thermoregulate as needed given the correct temp gradient :)

Update: I went lastnight and got an infrared thermometer at Auto Zone for 19.99!! Good deal I think since the one I am waiting for cost me 24.99 and had to pay to get it shipped! So anyways I have my thermostat set at 100 degrees because They are in my room in the basement and it is pretty cool down there and that keeps the hot spot at 90 degrees and the cool side at 80 degrees. Thanks All!!!! :gj: