Heating a 55 gallon enclosure

[Sunnieskys]

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Regius_049]

Be careful with that approach, you actually need the the heat to dissipate in at least one direction. People have melted things and set houses on fire because there wasn't enough heat dissipation. I understand you are trying to insulate your tank, but if you are going to use that approach, use the styrofoam around the outside sides of the tank, not under the UTH.

[Jmoney65985]

So what I found for a dimmer its basically like a thermostat, so can I just get another thermostat to hook up to my original Che? Also as far as my cool side goes will I just have to buy another che to keep that side at 80 degrees?

[Sunnieskys]

Be careful with that approach, you actually need the the heat to dissipate in at least one direction. People have melted things and set houses on fire because there wasn't enough heat dissipation. I understand you are trying to insulate your tank, but if you are going to use that approach, use the styrofoam around the outside sides of the tank, not under the UTH.

I keep an inch to breathe. And 90 degrees will not melt it. I have checked it. The probe is now flush with the uth and at the correct temp of 90 with a temp gun.

Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk

[redshepherd]

So what I found for a dimmer its basically like a thermostat, so can I just get another thermostat to hook up to my original Che? Also as far as my cool side goes will I just have to buy another che to keep that side at 80 degrees?

It is always better to go with a thermostat, especially a proportional one, than a dimmer. A dimmer is usually only for temporary use or as backup, much less control over temps than a thermostat has.

[MissterDog]

Seconding keeping with the thermostat. A dimmer will not be as precise and you will still get uncontrolled heat spikes. Generally you want any heat sources hooked to a thermostat so keep your che on it. As for buying a second che, that would probably be best if a single one isn't keeping ambient up and yes, have it with a thermostat too.

[Jmoney65985]

Ok guys, I really appreciate all the feedback and advice. I'm going to order the rest of what I need to get everything squared away and make sure temps and heat gradient is where it needs to be. Also when I get my other thermostats For my other Ches where would I place those probes if I can't stick them inside the tank?

[MissterDog]

Ok guys, I really appreciate all the feedback and advice. I'm going to order the rest of what I need to get everything squared away and make sure temps and heat gradient is where it needs to be. Also when I get my other thermostats For my other Ches where would I place those probes if I can't stick them inside the tank?

I can see there's been a little confusion. For UTH/heatpads your probe would be outside underneath the tank. But for CHEs (and RHPs) you'd want it inside your tank' directly below your CHE to monitor your ambients.

I advise hanging it along the wall away from the ground so your bp can't mess with it or interfere with readings. You can always secure it in place with a suction cup, hot glue (on the cord not the probe head itself) or ziptie.

In your case since cool ambient is an issue, I recommend having it hang down your cool side approximately 5-6 inches below your CHE.

[Jmoney65985]

Ok thanks

[MissterDog]

Let us know how it works out