Varying temps in AP economy cage?

[andrewross8705]

I have a 7 shelf economy rack I put together yesterday. I'm working on getting the temps where I need them but I'm seeing differences between the bottom and top shelves. The bottom is holding at 89 while the top is 84-85. The other shelves are doing the same with reading between 84-85. I'm using vision tubs and have checked to make sure the heat tape is in place.

Has anyone had issues like this or suggestions on how to fix the temp issue?

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[Eric Alan]

Where do you have the thermostat probe placed?

[Ba11er]

You have to take into account that the economy racks are open on the sides and back, any draft can cause temp changes.

Is the room heated to a certain temp or are you relying solely on the heat tape? Heat tape will also have temp fluctuations naturally, especially with long single strand pieces.

[andrewross8705]

Where do you have the thermostat probe placed?

Directly on the heat tape on the top shelf.

You have to take into account that the economy racks are open on the sides and back, any draft can cause temp changes.

Is the room heated to a certain temp or are you relying solely on the heat tape? Heat tape will also have temp fluctuations naturally, especially with long single strand pieces.

The room the rack is in stays pretty consistent temp wise. I've thought about getting something to cover both sides and the back if needed. I'm just trying to figure out why I can't get the temps to level off between the shelves.

[Eric Alan]

I'd recommend moving the probe to the middle shelf and see if the results are any different.

I have two AP EP racks and the temp difference between bottom and top (8 shelves of V-70 tubs) is only about a degree. I do keep the room temp consistent, however, with an oil-filled heater to keep it from getting too cool.

[andrewross8705]

I'd recommend moving the probe to the middle shelf and see if the results are any different.

I have two AP EP racks and the temp difference between bottom and top (8 shelves of V-70 tubs) is only about a degree. I do keep the room temp consistent, however, with an oil-filled heater to keep it from getting too cool.

Probe is in the middle and I threw up some thick poster board I had laying around. That seems to have helped level off the temps in most of the shelves. I'm still not sure why I'm getting different numbers between the thermometer and the temp gun but the thermometer seems to be more accurate. I'll be picking up more board tomorrow cover the back and other side. I'm glad it's not something I did or didn't do.

[Eric Alan]

I'm glad it's not something I did or didn't do.

Not at all. Sounds like you've got it all worked out.

[andrewross8705]

There's a 1-2 degree difference after covering both sides and the back. I'm hoping once I turn the heater on in the basement that will help but at this point I'm thinking it's going to be as good as it gets. There's not a major difference like there was before so I'll take it.