Hello, this week I should be getting 5 racks from Animal Plastics. I was wondering if anyone knows the best(and most cost efficient) way to regulate the heat in racks. I'm wondering about thermostats, their cost, where to get them, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Peter
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Regulating heat in racks.
Peter R.
Jun 06, 2004 12:37 AM
Replies (3)
lolaophidia
Jun 06, 2004 07:04 AM
I have both a Ranco thermostat from Boaphile and a Helix db1000 (purchased from the classifieds on Kingsnake) and either one could probably run your racks. I asked Joel at Boaphile how many cages I could run off a Ranco with the powerstrip attached and he said
"You can safely run up to 1500 watts of power off our thermostats. This means 15-25 cages off one thermostat depending on their collective wattage."
I don't know what kind of watts the Animal Plastic racks take since it would probably depend on what heat option you went with so you may want to check with Animal Plastics. My Animal Plastics rack is controlled by a single Helix and I haven't had any problems (other than actually finding the tubs for the rack). Be aware that there will be a temp gradient from top to bottom in the racks. I only have heat in the top 4 shelves of my rack since I keep some non heated snakes in the bottom 3 shelves, so I can't tell you what the temp difference would be. I've been really pleased with the customer service from Animal Plastics so I think they would answer your questions.
Lora
agkistro
Jun 06, 2004 12:21 PM
i heard you could use a "dimmer switch", like the type thats ysed on lights for houses, those round knob ones...
and im sure they can't be too expensive, less than 10$ im guessing
would that actually work? i dont know the price of thermostats, but im guessing they are 50$ and up
AK
twh
Jun 06, 2004 12:58 PM
in kingsnake's cassifieds go to the heat/cages etc. and you will find all the popular thermostats and prices.for some reason many people cut corners at this point,with the investment you have in racks and animals that would not be wise.you may be able to control more than one rack with a single thermostat,depending on wattage.what is the wattage on each rack and will these racks be in the same room?
