Rack heating question

[duckschainsaw]

I've got a AP 6 tub rack and my new thermostat (Herpstat 1) is non functional on arrival. I'm getting it replaced, but what do I do in the meantime? I have a rheostat and a cheap Zilla thermostat sitting around. Do you think those would work to keep my babies safely warm until I get the herpstat back?

[PitOnTheProwl]

You can use either one, Just make SURE you are getting the temperature you want.

[lunasjy]

Those should work just fine... if you are using heat tape. Heat tape is low wattage so it should be no problem for cheaper thermostats to heat up. On the packaging it should say a maximum wattage the thermostat can heat. With heat tape, usually it is 12w per foot.

[200xth]

I've got a AP 6 tub rack and my new thermostat (Herpstat 1) is non functional on arrival. I'm getting it replaced, but what do I do in the meantime? I have a rheostat and a cheap Zilla thermostat sitting around. Do you think those would work to keep my babies safely warm until I get the herpstat back?

What's the temp in the room the rack is located in?

[PitOnTheProwl]

With heat tape, usually it is 12w per foot.

Negative, varies by width.

[lunasjy]

Negative, varies by width.

Your are right. Was not thinking about that. My 6" is 12w per foot. That is what I was thinking about.

[duckschainsaw]

Ambient room temps are about 77. I heard that the on/off nature of the Zilla thermostat can damage flexwatt. Anyone know if that's true?

[PitOnTheProwl]

I heard that the on/off nature of the Zilla thermostat can damage flexwatt. Anyone know if that's true?

Someone lied to you............
There are many on/off style thermostats and millions of them in use every day on flex a watt.