UTHs and Thermostats

[jenakle]

I have a 30 gal breeder with a large UTH for the hot side connected to http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75 .
I've been using a red bulb constantly to help keep the cool side warm enough, but I'm tired of the air being dried out.

Since the thermostat has two places for plugs...what would happen if I plugged in a smaller uth for the cool side as well? Would it attempt to make the small one heat as high as the large one (90s), or would it back off the wattage used, say, 15% or whatever, like it does for the large one...making the temp 15% less than max (hoping for that 80s range)??

Am I even close to the concept of what the thermostat is doing??

In other words, do I need to buy another thermostat for a second mat? (And yes, I know, buy something better..but I just don't have a few hundred to toss down right now.)


Thanks

[Shelby]

Thermostats can only control the same type of UTH at one time.. if you put a smaller (lower wattage) heater on there too, that one would get the same amount of power as the large heater, and thus get hotter (too hot most likely) Always, always put the same kind of heater on the same thermostat.. they are not made to control more than one kind at the same time.

So.. yes, get a second thermostat. And you don't have to spend more than about $70 to get a quality reliable thermostat (either a Johnson or a Ranco)

[JLC]

Yes, you'd have to buy a second t-stat. If you plugged the second mat into the same t-stat, it would get as hot as your "warm side" setting.

If money is an issue...try getting a dimmer switch from the hardware store to plug your cool-side mat into. (They make dimmers for table lamps that you just plug into like an extension cord...very simple.)

[jenakle]

Thanks guys! That's what I figured

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I have a 30 gal breeder with a large UTH for the hot side connected to http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75 .
I've been using a red bulb constantly to help keep the cool side warm enough, but I'm tired of the air being dried out.

Since the thermostat has two places for plugs...what would happen if I plugged in a smaller uth for the cool side as well? Would it attempt to make the small one heat as high as the large one (90s), or would it back off the wattage used, say, 15% or whatever, like it does for the large one...making the temp 15% less than max (hoping for that 80s range)??

Am I even close to the concept of what the thermostat is doing??

In other words, do I need to buy another thermostat for a second mat? (And yes, I know, buy something better..but I just don't have a few hundred to toss down right now.)


Thanks

For the cool side here are your options

1/ Have a space heater in the room where your BP is kept so the room is warm kept around 80 degrees

2/ Have a second UTH and have a second thermostat.

There is one thermostat I know of that can control 4 different heating devices at 4 different temps http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstatpro.html

Hope this help.

[jenakle]

yeaaaaah...that'd be the one I can't afford right now
lol

thanks though!
I just found another set like I have on sale. Problem solved