Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking into different heat controllers, like the basic Helix for controlling heat tape for some cages I'll soon purchase. I don't know anything about wiring the products together. In fact the only experience I have with electrity is the wiring of some pretty simple ballasts and ceiling fans. Do you folks think I'll be able to this this safely? Or should I line up someone more quailified to oversee the project? My main concern will be not setting the house on fire.

I think I can do it if I follow the instructions, but never having done this before I don't want any mistakes. I think if I purchase the proper things I'll be okay.

Anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks,
Linda

Don't worry, it's easy. In addition to your flex watt and thermostats, you will need "2-wire" extention cords and connectors for the flex watt. Both can be purchased at my favorite online store...www.thebeanfarm.com. When you have all the parts email me, or call me and I'll walk you through it.

Chris O

P.s. Not that I don't want to share the info with others, I'm just out of time tonight...I'll try to post detailed instrucions sometime for anyone that's interested.

>>I'm looking into different heat controllers, like the basic Helix for controlling heat tape for some cages I'll soon purchase. I don't know anything about wiring the products together. In fact the only experience I have with electrity is the wiring of some pretty simple ballasts and ceiling fans. Do you folks think I'll be able to this this safely? Or should I line up someone more quailified to oversee the project? My main concern will be not setting the house on fire.
>>
>>I think I can do it if I follow the instructions, but never having done this before I don't want any mistakes. I think if I purchase the proper things I'll be okay.
>>
>>Anyone have any advice for me?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Linda
>>
>>
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www.chrisolsonreptiles.com

np
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www.chrisolsonreptiles.com

and offer to talk me through the process. I gather that wiring heat controllers, such as a basic Helix system, isn't any more difficult than putting the wires on a piece of flex-watt tape??What I am wanting to do is have stacks of Barrs 4 high controlled by one master device that regulates all 4 flex-watt uth's to the same temperature. I'm sorry I don't know the proper names of the different parts. I probably should learn that first before asking the questions. I have looked at the The Bean Farm's online store and requested a catalog, but it hasn't come yet. They seem to have the best pricing of any others I've looked at. (Having said that, my entire reply/post will probably be deleted).

I think I'll buy all the parts, send them to you, and have YOU wire it all together! Just kidding....at this point anyway.

Thanks Chris,
Linda

I'm running 4 cages (a stack of Moonstruck and a Boaphile) plugged into one Ranco thermostat with a power strip wired in. I have my temp probe in one cage (the Boaphile), set for 85, then I spot checked the temps in the the Moonstruck cages to make sure that the flexwatt would heat the cages to the temp I wanted. The Boaphile hot spot runs around 85 but the stacked cages hot spot is averaging 82-84 or so, which is working well for the pair of BRBs and a Carpet Python. Room temp is around 74-76. I've got a Helix DBS-1000 thermostat for my rack system (plus it's running a couple of small under tank heaters that sit on top of the rack for the little guys). The thing about the Helix is it only came with a 3 plug cord (so it wouldn't work with my 4 cages without adding a power strip to the mix). The Ranco strip holds up to 6 plugs- only one probe, but you work with the temps till you have something that matches what you need for each cage. With a stack of all like manufacturer cages and heating sources, I think you could easily maintain consistant temps in all cages.
Just some thoughts...
Lora

Here are the instructions I followed (they worked). I did have to redo a couple of the cages once I tested them just to make sure I had a consistant connection that would stand up to minor moving of the cages. I tend to go a little crazy with the electrical tape .

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml

I just did a search on google for wiring flexwatt and this was the first one on the list. I really liked the step by step pics. All I needed was a wire stripper/cutter, some needle nosed pliers for clamping the connectors onto the silver strip, and gobs of electrical tap. If you've got a temp gun, it makes testing your connections very easy and I like being able to spot check my temps across the bottom of the cages. If I can do it, I know you can!
Lora

you seemingly come out of no where to help me out. I appreciate that muchly. Thanks for saying HOW you got the info you passed along to me. That's just what I needed.

Linda

P.S. When Chris sends all those parts back with a note saying, You want ME to do WHAT?!, I'll pass them along to you. Just kidding..thanks again.

I'm a lurker usually (post a lot on the rat snake forum), but I'm glad to help when I can! Good luck with your cages (sorry that Moonstruck isn't responding to e-mails and is running long on order time, I had a pretty good experience with them with my 3 cages... small omission of a cord but quickly rectified). I'll probably pluck your brain when it comes to breeding Rainbows in a year or so when my pair is old enough.
Lora

I read, read, and read. I am not confident enough to even reply most of the time. I only feel I actually have something useful if I can document something from my own records. I have been trying to be helpful regardless of what I feel comfortable doing. I think I need to quit making the opening statement...I don't really know but...here's what I think.

I just try to remember what others have done for me. I can honestly say that someone has always replied to ALL my questions whether they have seen it a dozen times before or not. I am very grateful for the people who have done that for me. I know that all those replies that people don't have the time for are the very foundation of how these forums work. Someone was always present to take the time to answer them for me. If it weren't for the forums I likely would have allowed my snakes to die from ignorance on my part. There's so much information available, but it often contradicts itself. Even the basic instructions for BRB's proves that. I would have had a completely different perception of epicrates cenchria cenchria if I had only done what I was told to do at the petstore where I purchased my first pair.
I now have a love for reptiles that would not be possible if people didn't take a few minutes out of their day to offer encouragement and suggestions on how to care for these creatures.
If it weren't for people like Jeff Cark who answers over and over again the same basic questions this new world would not have unfolded before my eyes like it has. I am pleased to become a part of it.
I'm kinda rambling on and on, but I encourage you and everyone, to participate to the best of your ability and as your time allows because this is How It Works. Everyone has something to offer. Diverse opinions make this work!

Linda
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance- that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer