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I recently ordered 8 feet of Flexwatt Heat Tape, I have 2 strips hooked on a Zoo Med 150R Rheostat. I decided to see what the temps would be and put an outdoors thermometer in there and set my Rheostat on Low, 10 minutes later Temps were above 90'. Does the rheostat not work with heat tape? What should I do?
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ChaD
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LeoGeoKingdom

I dont have much experience with the matter buy I do no heat tape is high out put. The rheostat may not be able to keep up with it should try a lower watt heat tape.
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From what I’ve seen with heat tape, a low setting on your rheostat is normal. I’m not familiar with the model number that you described, but if it is rated at 150 watts, I’d buy a higher quality rheostat for the amount of tape you are using.

I’ve used mostly home electrical dimmers with my setups, they require a low setting, and yours shouldn’t be much different. They control six feet of 4” tape as the most. Just a small nudge on the knob can result in a few degrees difference. Hope this helps, let us know if you have anymore questions.

DaveCable

I don't think it could be improper wattage, I have them in 2 2 foot strips per rheostat. The strips are 10 watts per foot. So 40 watts for both strips. The rheostat has a 150 capacity. My friend uses the same Rheo and he says his is the exact same even on the low end it will only go as low as the high 80 "88 or so," he is using cable though. He said it hasn't been a problem with his Leos at all.It actually has aided in their growth. Will I have problems keeping my hatchlings around 88'?
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ChaD
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LeoGeoKingdom

I know what you are talking about. I have the same rheostat with two pieces of heat tape (11 inch by 12 inch)from Big Apple Herp connected. I turned to low and the temp is over 90F. I dont' know how hot I can get it, but to get the temp below 90F I had to turn it only about 1-2mm. I don't know if the tape is just very hot or what, but you are not alone.

Hey, I just thought of something, Stella was on flex watt and that rheostat that youre talking about and her temp was under
90 F or was it? Just something to think about
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Brittany
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