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I just recently put heat tape on the bottom back of a rack I built. I have 15qt tubs on this tape. I put the probe directly on the heat tape, hoping to monitor that, is it better to monitor that, or to check the ambient temperature, the cool end temperature? Thanks for the help, if you do put it on the heat tape itself, what kind of temperature would you be looking for?

Thanks.
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one, like you have done its to place the probe directly on the heat source. With this method, you will need to monitor your internal enclosure temps to determine t-stat settings to get ultimate temps in enclosure. Typically some number of degrees warmer.

Please note: this method works well in a controlled room where the temp swings are not significant. If there are large swings in temps, then there are differing amounts of heat loss from the enclosure depending on ambient room temps and the enclosure temps will vary.

The second is to place the probe where the animal is. The thinking here is you are controlling the temps better at the animal where it counts the most. Downsides are:

1 - getting the probe to that location. holes, wire routing etc.

2 - keeping the probe in place. If the animal moves the probe, it can throw off temps in the entire enclosure.

3 - soiling, what's in the enclosure will get soiled on by the inhabitants, they don't care where they go.

For me, my room stays fairly constant and I place most of my probes directly on the heat. I do place the probe at mid rack height though. Since there typically is a vertical temp gradient, I figure it's best to go middle of rack for control.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

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LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
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And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats