How much to compensate for probe on rack?

[aureptiles]

Hi,

Right now i have the probe of my herpstat inside the tub, flat on the tub.

But since it's more consistant to put the probe on the heat tape, i figure i should compensate for the difference (on heat tape vs on tub inside)

Exactly how many degrees do you dial up for the compensation? I want to keep a hot spot of 90 degree ideally.

PS: i use flexwatt and sterilite shoe box tubs

Thanks you guys

[kjinxx2]

It would make sense to put a digital thermometer where you want the temp to be 90 degrees, then adjust the thermostat accordingly: For example, if the digital thermometer reads 86 degrees, up the thermostat by 4 degrees. At least that's what I would do. Sounds like a trial and error thing though, just pay attention to your temps on the thermometer.

[Danounet]

On an A/C eviroment like my room, I set up my ranco to 96, 97 on the rare colder winter nights. That gives me around 90 under the warm hide. I've been using newspaper lately.

But like it was said, it's realy up to you to find your own settings that work for you and your snakes. Everyones temperatures are different. A temp gun helps alot, but something like an accurite works too.

[Kristian]

My T stat probes are on the heat tape and are set to 97 and keeps the inside of the tub at about 90. I use an IR temp gun to measure the hot side temps. It freaked me out a little at first having to crank up the stats to 97 but that got my tubs to the right temp. Also, with the probe outside of the tub, you don't have to worry about water spills or urine messing up the temp reading and having the t stat think it is colder than it is and kick on to cook mode.

[cerastesruber]

My T stat probes are on the heat tape and are set to 97 and keeps the inside of the tub at about 90. I use an IR temp gun to measure the hot side temps. It freaked me out a little at first having to crank up the stats to 97 but that got my tubs to the right temp. Also, with the probe outside of the tub, you don't have to worry about water spills or urine messing up the temp reading and having the t stat think it is colder than it is and kick on to cook mode.

yep thats the way to do it, im hooking mine up tomoro..
what thermostat you using?

[RichsBallPythons]

All my racks have the t-stat probe on the heat tape set to 90-93 to achieve a 90 inside.

Keep in mind your room temp plays in a roll of your heat tape temps and t-stat setting.

[muddoc]

There are m any factors that will determine what temp you need your tape at. First of all, as many have stated, the ambient temp of the room plays a big role, as does wether or not your rack is an open air rack, or a closed in rack. Be careful in a closed in rack, as setting too high can raise the ambient temp in the tub and not give the snake the gradient that it needs. Also air flow in the tub will affect the temperature setting. This goes in conjunction with what I stated above about gradients. What size heat tape are you using, and if it is 3", what watt per foot is it? That will affect the temps as well. With all of that said, to get a number answer to your question, would be inaccurate at best. However, you have the idea right: place the probe, adjust the temp on the t-stat, check the temp in the enclosure and adjust.

I would start with 4 degrees higher than you need and adjust from there.

Hope that helps,

[Wh00h0069]

A tip I learned from this site: http://www.baileyreptiles.com/cb70rack.html is to put a piece of plastic, from a tub, between the flexwatt and the probe. Then you will not have to compensate at all.

[Kristian]

yep thats the way to do it, im hooking mine up tomoro..
what thermostat you using?

Herpstat