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Heating questions

M

mindcrash

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Just a couple of quick questions to that I couldn't find answers for.

I was reading Ron Tremper's site, and he says that he keeps his heat tape at a constant 90. Is this pretty much the consensus? Also, how do you regulate the temperature of the heat tape if your using a thermostat? Do you just place the probe on the tape itself?

Thanks!
 
For $20-30 you can get a rheostat that the heat source plugs into. There is a sensor that you place right next to the heat source and voila controlled temp! I do not place the sensor directly on the heat tape so it does not wear it out as fast since the casing is made of plastic and the direct contact to the heat will cause it to crack.
 
A thermostat is what comes with a sensor probe. You should place the probe on the floor of the warm side of the tank. That's the surface your gecko will come in contact with, so that's the surface that needs to be measured since the temp of the actual heat tape itself will vary from the temp inside the enclosure--based on what type of material the cage is made out of, how large it is, how much it's raised from the heat tape, etc. For stacked cages or racks, I put the probe in one of the enclosures at the top since they are the ones at most risk of overheating. As for temp settings, there are different qualities of thermostats. Some will actually let you pick TWO settings. I think for a basic thermostat, 90 is a good start but it'll depend on how well it's actually controlling the heat.

A rheostat like Gene recommended is really just a dimmer switch. It allows you to set the heater to low-medium-high but that's it. It doesn't come with a sensor. There are different qualities of thermostats. You can buy one of the plug-in lamp dimmers at Walmart for only $8ish rather than $20-$35 for the pet store version. I've actually had problems with the Zoomed rheostats getting temps down low enough even on the lowest setting.

I hope that helps. By the way, if you're willing to shell out $70-$80 for an industrial quality thermostat, be sure to check the classifieds. Those are some of the best prices you'll find on Rancos and Johnsons.
 
Thermostats are your best bet, they will be able to deal with the room temp flux. Now if you herp room is heated and stays at a steady temp then a dimmer would be fine. And yeah dont buy the "reptile rheostats" buyone from HD.. Check out my site and their is a wiring diagram on there.. Very easy.. Or shoot me an emil when ya get one and Ill help ya if ya need it...
-Matt
 
Ooops... my mistake, here is what I was referring to: A THERMOSTAT
thermostat.jpg
 
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