do I need to run a thermostat. or will it be ok with out one?
Its' a really big cage so not worried about cooking the animal.
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3" flex watt
chadosborne
Jul 08, 2005 01:51 PM
Replies (6)
markg
Jul 08, 2005 03:05 PM
Yes you do. Too hot is too hot, no matter how big the cage is.
striderjg
Jul 08, 2005 05:58 PM
Instead of a thermostat it would also be ok to wire it through a rheostat. few bucks at hte hardware store. Then just use a themo to dial in the right temp.
-John
justcage
Jul 09, 2005 03:14 PM
Dimmers are a great option for lighting but not for flexwatt, UTH's, panels so on so forth.. A themrostat will adjust itself for the flux in the room temps..
http://www.mgreptiles.com/FLEXFAQ.html
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www.MGReptiles.com
striderjg
Jul 09, 2005 05:21 PM
i personally disagree but to each there own. Ive used dimmers with tape/uth's for years and have no problem if monitered. My hi/low thermometer will show osme drift, but within exceptable perameters. Just have to readjust for seasons when the ambient temp changes considerably. I have to do this with my Ceramic/lights too'. But again, to each there own.
-John
justcage
Jul 09, 2005 05:28 PM
Well thats actualy the whole point of a thermostat is not haveing to adjust them all the time... A analog themrostat will give 2 degrees of flux as well.. I am just a safety oriented feller..lol
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www.MGReptiles.com
reptilecare
Jul 18, 2005 02:18 PM
Hi,
My advice would be to definitely run a thermostat on your heat tape. Dimmers can be a horror story and the manufacturer of heat tapes say explicitly not to use them and to only use a thermostat. Also, I would recommend either a Herp Power Proportional, Helix or BAH-1000 thermostat. I have multiples of these thermostats and never had any problem on any application. While the Herp Power is my favorite for many reasons I don't recommend you go with any other brands. I have had many of these brands I mentioned above for years with NO issues and I would not dream of using any other brands on my setups.
Winston
