Quote Originally Posted by AK4900PA
I have the thermostat probe right up against the heat cable, so should I go by the reading on the thermostat or set it a bit higher to compensate for the 1/4" of PVC and 1" of aspen between the cable and the snakes?
I am not at home right now, so I can't take a pic, but I'll try to describe to you what I do that I learned from a friend. I use CB-70's in my racks, and Helix thermostats. What I did, was cut a piece of the plastic off of the lid of one of the CB-70's, and taped my thermostat probe in between the plastic and a piece of folded paper towel. I then tape the whole piece of plastic with the probe attached to the heat tape. What this does, is better simulate the temperature in the tub, because the probe pics up temp from the heat tape through a piece of plastic, that it is taped to, that is the same material as the tub. Your PE-2 will also be a great tool for helping you adjust temps. I hope this wasn't to unclear, and when I get home in about ten days, I'll take a picture of what I am talking about, so that you may see it.

Hope that helps,