Tempature question

[Lira]

I checked the temp in the tote this morning and the air temp had dropped to 73 while the humidity rose to like 80% over night. So, I'm going to drill a few more hole for ventilation, that should solve the humidity problem, but I have a question.

I figure I can't raise the rheostat for the UTH because I don't want that localized area to get to hot (its staying at 89), so, do you think I should buy another mini mat to like stick to the side or something to riase air temp at night, or do you think I should buy the next size larger mat and heat a larger area on the hot side... or will either Idea work?

Lira

[kavmon]

can you describe your setup or a pic? what are the temps in the room/area the tub is in? a rheostat is basically a dimmer switch, turn one way allows more volts(heat) the other way less. if you do a larger heat source, a thermostat might be in order to keep the heat in check.


vaughn

[Lira]

I got a 50qt rubbermaid (10'H x 26L x 15H) with holes drilled in the top (and a few in the sides now for cross ventilation to help with the humidity) and stuck one of those Repti-Threm (mini) UTH on the bottom. I wanted to get a thermosatat rather then a rheostat but I couldn't find one anywhere yesterday.

The air temp in the house is about 70, I can't do much about it, I live in FL and the house only has one heater.

So, do you think I should go with two pads or just one larger one?

[kavmon]

go with a heat pad around a third of the size of the tub. i'd use an accurite or similiar digital thermometer to keep any eye on the temps. you could use a larger heat pad but i would strongly recommend a thermostat if you use a heat pad any larger than a third of the tub. if you choose to use a second pad you will have ot have a second rheostat for that one, if you add up the cost of 2 pads and 2 rheostats, you might be better off with one large pad a and one thermostat.


vaughn

[Lira]

The rheostat I have can operate two heat devices so that shouldn't be a problem. The next size up heating pad is about a third of the size of the tote. I was going to get that one but the package said only the mini one was safe to use with plastic.


I am going to get a thermostat, I'll probably order one online today since I can't find any place around here that sells them. I just got the rheostat at a temporary fix. Also, I'm using an accu-rite temp/humidity gage, seems to work very well so far.