I'm still getting temperature discrepancies...

[gothra]

I posted a while ago about plugging 2 heat mats to one thermostat and am getting a 5-6 degrees difference between them. I switched to flexwatt, hoping that ONE piece of flexwatt per thermostat will provide a more constant temp for all the tanks. Unfortunately, there is still a 5-6 degrees difference with the flexwatt.

I have 5 panels of 11" flexwatt running across 4 glass tanks with ceramic tiles as substrate. Say if the tanks are numbered 1 to 4 (no.1 being closest to the connection points); I have set the thermostat to 93F, no.1 tank is only 87F but no.3 is 93F! No.2 & 4 are around 91F. The probe of the thermostat is located inside no.3 tank, so the thermostat is working fine. I really don't understand why I'm getting such discrepancies, I double checked with a temp gun many times last night, the readings are the same.

Any idea what could cause this difference? Its unusual to have such discrepancies, right?

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

1 piece of flexwatt should have the same temp from 1 end to the other but flexwatt takes a few days to "settle down" and distribute heat evenly. I always plug in my heat tape and let it sit for 5-7 days before I actually put it to use.

Also make sure that you ended the connection on the cut end with electrical tape, that can cause heat issues too.

 

[gothra]

Thanks Wendy. I used 2 layers of electrical tape to end the connection. Its a relief to hear that flexwatt takes 5-7 days to "settle down"; I really hope the temperatures will become more even after a few days.

 

[gothra]

Its been a week since I switched to heat tape, the temperature of 3 of the 4 tanks seemed to have even out a little; but tank no.1 (the one that is closest to the window) is still a few degrees lower. I thought about all the possibility that is causing this, even changed their ceramic tile substrate yesterday; but still, the result is the same.

I'm using 11" heat tape, when I checked temp with a temp gun (shot at ~1cm above surface), most readings are 90-92F; but occasionally I get a warmer spot of 94F in tank no.3. Then I checked tank no.1 again, its only 86-88F. So, what can I do?? I can't turn the heat up as I don't want tank no.3 to overheat; but 86-88F for one tank is definately not enough, especially its still not that cold outside at the moment (in the 70s).

I'm going to get some foam board to insulate the window to see if that helps; if not, I might buy a 3" heat tape and tape that to the side of tank no.1. What do you think? Anyone using 11" flexwatt, how stable are your temps?

 

[ExcessiveHerps]

What brand thermostat do you have?

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

Id bet its the window, I have a tank by the window and its a little colder than the other set ups.

I have 18 1' pieces of 11" and they are all within 90-92 on a cheaper brand thermostat.

 

[ExcessiveHerps]

Not sure whats up with your stuff, how close are the tanks from each other? Did you make sure when you made them that the clamps where firmly on the heat tape? I happen to have 1 heat tape on 1 rack where there are 7 flexwatts all wired together the one in concern is several degrees warmer so I set the probe in it nd have it at 96 the toher are 90-92 so I settled with that.
Xavier

 

[gothra]

I'm using Helix thermostat and the probe is set in the warmest tank. I've set the thermostat to 92F and the temperature in that tank stays around 92F; so I think the thermostat is doing its job fine. I could've turn the temp up a bit to compensate for the cooler ones, but the problem is when I checked the temp with a temp gun, although most of the time the temperautre stays around 92F, occasionally a particular spot in that tank gets to 94F. This warmer spot is under a piece of wood and the gecko likes sleeping under this wood. So, I'm reluctant to turn up the heat.

All these tanks are linked by ONE piece of 11" flexwatt (5 panels, 12.5" each), there is only one wire connection, and its on the end that is closest to the window.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

That is a nice way to set up tanks, I really like it A LOT!

I think its the window, just my personal opinion since I have one by a window that stays cooler than any of my others in different rooms. Glass absords cold in a way, so that may be whats affecting your one tank.

 

[gothra]

I added a small heat mat on the vertical side of the tank that is right next to the window; and that seemed to help raise the floor temp to 89-90F. I'll keep monitoring tonight, let's hope the temp can stay at least 90F.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

Cool, I hope that works out your problem for you!

 

[kart]

Just thought I'd come in to tell you how much I like your setup. Do you put screens on them?

 

[gothra]

Just thought I'd come in to tell you how much I like your setup. Do you put screens on them?

No, no screens on the top, as I don't have any other pets. So, they're pretty safe in their open tank...unless my husband tries to pick them up, LOL! Thanks!

 

[gothra]

Just an update on the temp of the tank that is right next to the window; the side heating mat is doing its job well; and now the floor temp is able to raise a few degrees to match the temps of the other tanks. Yay!