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I have a back-heated boaphile rack with 11" 20watt flexwatt down the back. I was wondering if it is safe to let the flexwatt run without a thermostat considering the temps in the tubs are optimal (90F) or is in just not safe to let the flexwatt run without regulation?

Thanks,

Mat

In my opinion thats never a good idea. You not only run the risk of overheating but potential fire risk as well. Even a cheap rheostat is better than nothing.

If the thermostat is constantly putting full power to the flexwatt, it's no difference from running it straight. However, what a thermostat will do for you is shut the power off if the sensor determines the flexwatt is too hot.

Only if you would like to burn your house down.. Flexwatt is dangerous stuff if not regulated properly. There are many options out there, utilize one..

.....in a word...."NOT"......<g> Wrong on so many levels.....

In the boa constrictor video by the barkers and Salmonboa.com Rich says he uses his flexwatt without a t-stat. Thats a lot of expensive boas too. I myself use rheostats with mine but its up to you.

I'll bet Salmon Boas' room has a nice T-stat that keeps the room optimal.
The problem with running flex-watt by itself, and even in junction with a reostat is that if the room gets hotter,or cooler, then so does the cage. So you really can't keep the temps optimal without using a T-stat. Their are cheap T-stats, but they may fail, but if you buy two cheapo t-stats, and plug the flex-watt into the first T-stat, and plug the first T-stat into the second one , and set the second ond 5-10 degrees higher than the first, so if the first one quits , the second one will keep your Boas from frying.
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I'm just the snake room janitor

You have to consider his caging, the room allowed for thermo-regulation, and the wattage of the heat supplied. There's no way Rich is putting his animals in danger. But looking how many people keep their boas, even those who think they have it right, they are asking for trouble.

You should ALWAYS use a thermostat. My personal feeling is that EVERY single cage should have one, not just one per wall, or per stack.
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Gilbert Boas
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