Thermostat for multiple levels of the rack?

[ndncowgirl22]

Hello! I'm trying to plan a rack and I'm not sure which of the following options is most cost effective for heating.

I've heard that heat cable is better than flexwatt. If I have four levels in my rack and use the cable, would it be more cost efficient to heat each level individually and turn off the levels that aren't occupied (I don't have many geckos at the moment) or just use one cable to heat the whole thing? As far as I know, using one cable for the whole thing is more common, but has anyone tried wiring it all seperately?

If I do wire each level seperately, do I need a thermostat for each level, or can I just attach a new cable to the same thermostat as I need it?

Thanks!

 

[ndncowgirl22]

No one knows?

 

[The Gecko Person]

I think heat tape is better. It gives the geckos more of an area to lay on. If you wire each level separately, you can just unplug the ones you are not using. Also, a single level of heat tape or cable can break, and you can just replace the single one if it's wired separately.

 

[Russellm0704]

Ya only get 1 thermostat and acquire an outlet strip. Plug each shelf you want to use into the strip, plug the strip into the thermostat, plug the thermostat into the wall. Only one thermostat needed. However, you must make sure each shelf has the same length of heat tape so it produces the same wattage.

 

[ndncowgirl22]

Awesome! Thanks.

What about the risk of fire for heat tape? I read a discussion on here about how heat cable is safer.

 

[ReptileFreaks01]

just use a light dimmer switch for a thermostat they cost about $10 and you have to check the temp once a day but it is worth the savings!