AP rack/flexwatt help!

[luna_3]

We just got our first rack. We got a 6 shelf 15/32qt (sterilite) rack with flexwatt belly heat. We set it up with the proper tubs and placed the probe for our thermostat directly on the tape and secured it with foil tape. There's a lip on the tubs and a ledge where the heat tape goes (picture)


I have the thermostat set to 100 degrees but only getting 86-88 degree readings on the bottom of the tubs.
Should I continue to turn the thermostat up, or try to loosen the tape so it comes up a bit?
Any advice is appreciated!

[luna_3]

I posted this in general BP as well in hopes of getting as much help as possible.

We just got our first rack. We got a 6 shelf 15/32qt (sterilite) rack with flexwatt belly heat. We set it up with the proper tubs and placed the probe for our thermostat directly on the tape and secured it with foil tape. There's a lip on the tubs and a ledge where the heat tape goes (picture)


I have the thermostat set to 100 degrees but only getting 86-88 degree readings on the bottom of the tubs.
Should I continue to turn the thermostat up, or try to loosen the tape so it comes up a bit?
Any advice is appreciated!

[Eric Alan]

Any chance you've got a picture of how your probe looks now (taped to the heat tape)?

Also - there's no reason to post the same exact thing in multiple forums.

[ElliotNess]

Turn it up 1-2 degrees at a time until temp tub is reached. I have mine at 104 to reach appropriate tub temps. There is a lot of heat dissipation from tape to tubs.

[Saber402]

I agree with Elliott, measure your temps in the tub and adjust accordingly until you get to your desired temp!

[MrLang]

The amount you need to turn it up will be indicative of your ambient temps. With my ambient temps at 80, I only need the tstat set to 96 to get 89-90 in the tubs on paper towel. Where and how are you measuring the temps inside the tubs and what is your ambient temp? Also, where is the probe attached? It should be right in the middle of the tape on one of the vertical parts where it snakes up to the next row. You want it right in the middle of the rack - like row 3 of a 6 row rack.

[luna_3]

Thanks so much. It was taped on a horizontal spot in the top row
Changing it now!
My ambient Temps get to 77 max without a heat bulb aimed at them

The amount you need to turn it up will be indicative of your ambient temps. With my ambient temps at 80, I only need the tstat set to 96 to get 89-90 in the tubs on paper towel. Where and how are you measuring the temps inside the tubs and what is your ambient temp? Also, where is the probe attached? It should be right in the middle of the tape on one of the vertical parts where it snakes up to the next row. You want it right in the middle of the rack - like row 3 of a 6 row rack.

[luna_3]

Any chance you've got a picture of how your probe looks now (taped to the heat tape)?

Also - there's no reason to post the same exact thing in multiple forums.

Ok, I'm sorry! Last time I posted strictly in the husbandry forum I didn't get many views and no answers, so I thought it may be that the other section was more active.
I'm going to move the probe and post a picture

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Everyone setting is different it depends on ambient temps, tubs and substrate use.

What you need to do is to adjust your t-stat until the temps in your tubs is where you want it to be (of course this means getting an accurate reading with a digital thermomether, temp gun even better)

And BTW 86/88 is perfectly fine for a hot spot.

[CORBIN911]

Also something that helps, Underneath where its sitting in the inlay, Place some Foil tape/Aluminium tape w.e you know it ass! This will help control the heat!