how do you use a t-stat for multiple tubs?

[kc261]

Hi, I was wondering how do you use a thermostat for multiple cages or for two UTHs on both sides of the cage (for hot/cold sides)? I thought they only had one probe...
Also, how does a dimmer work for heating??? Thanks

A few possibilities here:

1) - a few t-stats do have more than 1 probe. Those have been mentioned.

2) - it is not hard to use 1 t-stat for multiple enclosures as long as the enclosures and the heat sources are identical, plus they have to be in an area where the temps outside the enclosures will be close to identical. If you have them all in the same room, but one is closer to the A/C vent, that isn't going to work so well.

3) - you can use a single t-stat to control both hot & cold side in the same enclosure. You need to have a dimmer inbetween the cold side heat source and the t-stat. So from the wall, you will have t-stat, with 2 cords plugged in to it. 1 of those cords goes to the first heat source. The 2nd cord goes to a dimmer switch, then the second heat source. Put the t-stat probe on the hot side, then adjust the dimmer switch as necessary to get the proper temps. You might need to switch which side goes through the dimmer. This will not work with a proportional t-stat, only an on/off t-stat.

To answer your other question, a dimmer is more technically called a rheostat. This is something that controls how much electricity flows through it. When hooked up to a light, it can make the light brighter or dimmer. When hooked up to something that provides heat, it can make it hotter or not quite so hot.