Improved my Flexwatt!

[losism]

I went out and made myself a snake rack with the melamine. I first used the metal clips, the plastic insulators, I put the flexwatt running on the backing of my rack, and a dimmer. My temps didn't go over 75 degrees. I was so upset.

Using the magical search tool on this site I learned I should ditch the clips and solder the wire directly to the flexwatt, electrical tape the soldering, and I should move the tape to go under the tubs. BAM! Now I can control temps up to 100 degrees!

The tape is now on the bottom back part of the racks, I keep a couple gauges IN the back of the tubs. During the day I have them at 90 and at night I have them at 80. I also have gauges reading temps in the other tubs up at the front. They read 80 during the day and 75 at night.

Is this good? Corrections would be very appreciated.

Thanks,
Los

[mooingtricycle]

hrm. ive never ever heard of issues with flexwatt before with the metal clips/insulators!

Glad you got things working properly again. im going to go on a search for this issue now.....

[JeffJ]

more resistance in a bad connection = less power reaching the flexwat's elements. makes perfect sense from a technical stand point. this is why i never use crimp connections i always solder

[Vacado]

I just used the crimp method and my flexwatt will get well over 100 F if I let it. You just have to be sure to really cramp those buggers down tight. There's nothing wrong with soldering though.

v

[Kaorte]

Were you measuring the temps with the gagues? That might be why they read so low..

[southb]

I also add a little space so I can put Reflexix under the flex watt.

[Shadera]

I think your issue with keeping temps up probably had nothing to do with clips on the flexwatt. It probably had to do with using it as back heat vs belly heat. I use clips and have no issues keeping my temps up.

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Don't forget a backup thermostat too, in case your primary fails. That 3" 10 watt flexwatt can get HOT!

JonV

[Goodwin]

I dont understand what everybody's issue is with back heat...? I mean my rack uses only back heat and my temps will go up to and over 100 degrees if i set it that way!! IMO, back heat is the only way to go, its easier to install, less dangerous to the snakes, and if the tub's hot end gets 92 degrees, what matters if its by back heat or belly heat...92 is 92 no matter what direction it comes from...!!!!

[nixer]

I think your issue with keeping temps up probably had nothing to do with clips on the flexwatt. It probably had to do with using it as back heat vs belly heat. I use clips and have no issues keeping my temps up.

i highly doubt that is the problem!

if the clips are not making a good contact it will not heat up properly