Questions about Thermostats

[Shawnfireball]

Helix's and herpstats do NOT control the humidity of a rack right? So what do you use to control humidity? Or do you just leave humidity alone depending on where you live? And also why do you tape the probe on the heat tape and not inside the tub? Thanks. Sorry for the newbie questions.

[Skittles1101]

Thermostats are for temperature control, not humidity. I use a DIY rack, and RBI rack, and a tank and I don't need anything other than a water dish for humidity in any of them. You tape the probe on the heat tape because you are controlling the heat tape. You control the maximum temp it gets to, if it's not in direct contact with the heat source then you aren't controlling the heat source....

Thermometers go inside to read temps, thermostats go outside to control temps...

[Shawnfireball]

Thermostats are for temperature control, not humidity. I use a DIY rack, and RBI rack, and a tank and I don't need anything other than a water dish for humidity in any of them. You tape the probe on the heat tape because you are controlling the heat tape. You control the maximum temp it gets to, if it's not in direct contact with the heat source then you aren't controlling the heat source....

So if the heat tape is 91 degrees it is also 91 degrees on the hot side inside the tub?

[Adam Chandler]

LGray pretty much covered it. Humidity does not have to be controlled as precisely as temperature for Ball Pythons. As long as you keep the humidity above 50% they are happy. In a rack system this can be easily accomplished with a appropriately sized water bowl.

[Skittles1101]

No, that's why you need to read the temps inside the tub also. I use a temp gun...well worth the money. But digital thermometers/hygrometers are good too (like this one http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...9399659&sr=8-1) On my DIY rack with my tubs I have the thermostat set to 94 degrees, which keeps it steady inside the tub according to my temp gun at 90 degrees.

The degree that you set it at completely depends on what you use for substrate and where you live....

[Adam Chandler]

No, that's why you need to read the temps inside the tub also. I use a temp gun...well worth the money.

Absolutely. I'd recommend a Temp gun such as the PE1 or PE2 from http://tempgun.com/.
I own both models and couldn't be happier with them.

[Shawnfireball]

Thanks for covering that for me! I think i understand finally. Hahaha i think my head is just fried from too much school. So the thermostat probe is placed on the heat tape and a temp gun or thermometer is used for inside the tub, and if temp increases or decreases inside it, you need to toggle with the thermostat. Did i get this right?

[Skittles1101]

Yes, but I'd be surprised if you have to toggle with a good thermostat. I use herpstat, Johnsons, and Hydrofarm, and I never ever have to touch the herpstat or johnsons.

[Shawnfireball]

Yes, but I'd be surprised if you have to toggle with a good thermostat. I use herpstat, Johnsons, and Hydrofarm, and I never ever have to touch the herpstat or johnsons.

Not even if outside temps change drastically? (as in from about 80 to 73 degrees)

[Skittles1101]

Depends, that kind of change you may have to....but my temps are pretty consistent so I don't.