Multiple widths of heat tape in one rack...

[officerbogus]

New user, first post.

Actually I have two separate racks, one on top of the other. The lower rack has four shelves, 2 x 41qt with 11" tape and 2 shelves with 2 28qt tubs each and 6 inch tape. The second (top) rack has four shelves of 6qt tubs totaling 16 with 4" heat tape.

I have been seeing some posts saying that you cannot run one thermostat on several widths of heat tape, is this true?

If I cannot, then how many stats would I need for my set up? These are the Frugal Herper type of racks and would like to keep this relatively cost effective.

Also where is the best place to put the temp probe? Middle shelf, middle tub? I am new to this and am doing as much research before even thinking of getting the first animal placed in this rack.

Thank you for taking a look.

[Buttons]

3 sizes of tape = 3 thermostats

[jason_ladouceur]

Heat tape is controlled in watts per foot. Different width tapes have different watts per foot. Different brand tapes have different watts per foot.

Example:
Thg 4" tape is 6 watts per foot.
So if one rack has 10' of tape it will pull 60 Watts.
The next rack has 5' of tape it will pull 30 watts.
If you put your probe on the rack that uses 10' then the rack with only 5' will run much hotter.

Your best option is to run a different stat for each rack. But as an alternative you could simply use the same length, width and brand of heat tape on both racks. Even if one of the racks has extra tape running out the side of it. At least this way both strips of heat tape will be pulling the same wattage and therefore run at the same temps.

I personaly secure my probes from the stat directly to the heat tape and then set my heat higher so the heat in the bin is where I want it.