HELP!!! I need some flexwatt info please

[zeke]

I'm will be building a custom rack soon, ( not the kinds with tubs, I will be doin flip down doors) and want to use flexwatt, each level will be 48" w x 18" d x 18" h.. It will be made from melamine ply. My question is how much flexwatt should I use for each level? Also what thermostat is good to use, I've read some people use some from wal-mart. I'm not tryin to buy the top of the line. If it works good and is cheap ,it's good for me. And how would I go about wiring them? I'm no electrician, just a cabinet maker. thanks for any and all info and advice.

Cheers

[SlitherinSisters]

Here's a link to my website page where I explain how to wire flexwatt with pictures and everything http://www.slitherinsisters.com/how-...e-flexwatt.php

I use 3in wide flexwatt that is 10watts per foot. You have to make sure each rack, if they are wired together, are the same length, width, and wattage. If you read through my flexwatt page it should answer all or at least most of your questions hopefully! If not I'll have to add somethings!

I went with a cheap thermostat and I almost lost all my snakes in less than 6 months of using it. It got so hot that it melted and had a friend of mine not told me to get a dimmer I would have had a rack full of dead snakes.

[BILLB OKC]

1 ball python per level?
I am doing basicly the same thing. I think 18" is a bit too high for the balls as they are mostly secretive ground dwellers.
I am making mine 38" wide x 18" deep x 10" high with a glass sub floor raised 1/2" to attach the flex watt to. I am using 20 watt 17" on the hot side and 11" on the cool side controled by two different helix thremostats.
my flexwatt will be running fron to back.

4 levels high and two seperate units for 8 BALL PYTHON adults

wiring flexx is easy if you use a soldering iron.
do a search

[coldbloodaddict]

You would need to use heat panels...
http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat_panels/

Walmart does not sell thermostats...You can get them at RBI too...
http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats/

[zeke]

Thanks Isis, I book marked your page... as for the thermostat and dimmer, they all just plug into each other? I've never used the flexwatt system before, and I wanna make sure I do this right, thank you again for your time and info

Cheers

[SlitherinSisters]

Thanks Isis, I book marked your page...

I'm glad people can get some use from it!

as for the thermostat and dimmer, they all just plug into each other? I've never used the flexwatt system before, and I wanna make sure I do this right, thank you again for your time and info Cheers

First I plugged the flexwatt into the dimmer and let it run for a little bit adjusting it to where I liked the temp. I set it just a tad hotter than I wanted it. Then I plugged the dimmer into the thermostat=flexwatt still plugged into it, and the thermostat plugged into the wall. This way if the thermostat went hay wire my dimmer would stop the 100% power to the flexwatt. When a thermostat breaks it runs at full power, when a dimmer breaks it cuts the power.

No problem I should add that paragraph to my website.

[zeke]

oh ok got ya.. yes its very helpful, the pics are always good too. what thermostat and dimmer do you suggest I use? Do they make combos of them?
thanks again.

Cheers

[SlitherinSisters]

If you have the money, get a Helix. As for the dimmer I picked it up at Lowes for $10.

[zeke]

I saw the helix, nice stuff. lil high priced for me though.. as for the dimmer that I can do. thanks again