Flex watt problem

[L.West]

I recently moved and had to remove the helix probe from my rack during the move - I'm in the new house and I can't seem to get the flex watt heat tape to heat the rack like it used to. The unit has backbeat, the room is at 77 degrees but in order to attain a 89/90 hot side I have to run the helix at 100. I never had to do that in the other house.

What do you all think is the problem - what should I do to adjust it or is this fine

Thanks

[dragonboy4578]

Check all the connections on the flexwatt. something may have wiggled loose. Also the difference may be caused by where the probe is placed now on the flexwatt.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Nothing seems wrong many people have to set their thermostat hotter than the desired temperature.

[L.West]

Hi - I thought I put it back in the same spot but I must not of. Where do you put your probe??

My other racks are functioning normally.

The rack came wired for flex watt - I know nothing about how they are wired - don't know what to look for

Help

[The Serpent Merchant]

The probe should be placed directly on the flexwatt heat tape. I hot glue mine in place. Just don't use aluminum tape as it can mess with the probes reading.

[dragonboy4578]

I have my probe taped right to the top of the flexwatt. I usually have to have it set to about 95 to get the temp to 90 inside the tubs.

As for the connections, how were they attached? Are they hooked with clips or soldered? If they are clipped just see if they wiggle. Just be careful not to loosen them by shaking to much. If they are soldered just look to see if they are attached still.

[L.West]

The one thing I have noticed is that this house is draftier and it is taking more effort with my oil filled heater to keep the room warm so it may be because I have heard backbeat doesn't work as well in cooler environments.

So you guys think it's ok to set the helix at 100 to achieve my desired temps?

Please advise

Thanks

[dragonboy4578]

That should be fine. to get the temp right in my large breeder rack I have mine set at 99 degrees. It has been that way for 6 months and I haven't had a problem. I would also see if it is possible to seal off the room some. I had to place something under my door to keep the draft out.

[RichsBallPythons]

Keep a small space heater in there circulating warm air around. This will help cut the drafts effect on it.

Also if you used tape to tape the probe down, did you Clean the probe of all the sticky residue left over. This will in itself cause readings to be off.

I use Foil tape to tape the probe down, but leaving middle of the probe exposed to ambient room temp, so the foil dont encase the heat giving a false reading.

Id also personally have the flexwatt soldered, Faster more even heating over clips.

[L.West]

My rack is a sweater box rack from RBI - they come already wired. Aren't they soldier from rich