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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
 Posted - 03/07/2012 : 13:04:28
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| Hi guys. Could you tell me your opinions about heat mat and heat cables. Which of them would you rather use with rack + 50l rubs. Or which of them could be more powerful in winter time? Thanks to Kelfezond who explained most of it to me. |
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Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 13:16:18
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I have a vision v70 that uses cable and a 50l Eurorack that has 11" thick heat mats
Depending on how any snakes you need to heat
I'd go for mats
They will prob cost more but you get a choice on how many mats are turned on
Unlike heat cable it's all or none
If you go for cable you prob need to route the heat cable in the wood
Or put wooden like runners for the rubs to go on top Of the cable
Also people use ally foil tape to dispense the heat more
If I had a choice I'd got for mats
For the simple fact it's just a case of plop them down and go |
now on facebook
Royal Pythons
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Western Hognose |
Edited by - Evolution Morphs on 03/07/2012 13:20:44 |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 15:09:17
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| Cheers mate. If I decide to use heat mats will I be able to run more than just one of them with one thermostat? I mean for example two or three heat mats with one thermostat? |
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Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 15:32:39
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Yes I do and i only ever use pulse stats
Much better than on/off stats
If using three mats put the stat probe on the middle |
now on facebook
Royal Pythons
http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionMorphs
Western Hognose |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 17:29:17
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| Thanks a lot. One more question - which heat mat would be best in size for 50ltr rubs (links very welcome)? And what do I do not to damage heat mats while sliding rubs in and out? |
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Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 18:26:24
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| That's great. Thanks. Should I use heat reflecting tape and stick it underneath the mats so it could stap boards from absorbing heat? |
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 18:35:36
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| I use the the mats that are twice as long as i hold two tubs on each shelf. I dont use any heat tape as the wood ( i use mdf ) doesn`t get hot anyway. You can use as many mats as you need as long as the wattage doesn`t exceed the pulse stat that you use. You could use some strong tape to stop the mats moving if you want. I`ve used small tacks with mine though. |
Royals owned "lots"
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Edited by - hodgie on 03/07/2012 18:36:57 |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2012 : 18:53:47
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| Thanks. I've just cut my first 4 boards and will start building it tomorrow if I find any difficulties I will ask for help again. Cheers |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2012 : 22:20:39
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| Hi guys. I thought everything will go easy when I finished my rack but unfortunately it is not. Rack is ready ( all sides closed, back insulated, just front open), I got a new Microclimate pulse stat, and a few second hand 17x11" habistat heat mats. I tried all of them but the max temp I can get is 28c. It is summer time and I still can't get 32c. Thermostat probe has been outside of the rack to read even lower temp and heat more. Thermometer probe is in the rub, right above the heat mat. What else can I try to get higher temp? Or maybe I need to wait a lot longer ( it's been on for about an hour now). |
Edited by - konrad1982 on 07/07/2012 22:21:54 |
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2012 : 23:47:38
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| I would think it will need a few hours at least, check again in the morning. |
Royals owned "lots"
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Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 07:48:18
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It will get there
I used 17x11 heat mats on 50l rubs and know they will get to temp
Are you going by the temp on the stat or a digital thermometer
The best way I found was with a ir heat gun |
now on facebook
Royal Pythons
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Western Hognose |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 09:27:20
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| I let it run for all night and when I woke up this morning temp rised up to 29.4c. Thermostat temp is set to 35c which makes the mat running constantly (thats what light on the pulse stat indicates). I measure the temp with a normal digital thermometer right on the far side of the rub (it is the hottest spot). The rub is empty now (no substrate at all) so it should warm up even easier.Anything else I could do? Maybe Microclimate heat mats would be better? I have one of them which is only small one but still seems to get a lot warmer. Now I'm scared that all my big effort will get nowhere. Helpppp |
Edited by - konrad1982 on 08/07/2012 09:37:11 |
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 14:05:43
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| Can you put up a picture of your setup with and without the rubs and the stat placement please. |
Royals owned "lots"
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 16:39:56
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I took some pictures with my mobile so they won't be top quality but hopefully let you see something.
Doesn't matter where I put my thermostat probe - temp is not going high enough. Today guy from my local reptile shop suggested to put one extra mat on the back side of the rack. I did that and now get ten around 30c. What is the ambient temp in your houses? Maybe 20.5c in my house is too cold? |
Edited by - konrad1982 on 08/07/2012 16:44:47 |
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 20:03:15
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quote:
Originally posted by konrad1982
I measure the temp with a normal digital thermometer right on the far side of the rub (it is the hottest spot).
Is this inside the rub or outside? |
Royals owned "lots"
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 20:11:51
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| Just noticed, you dont have lids on. I keep lids on mine then it doesn`t matter if the room temp lowers the rubs will retain their heat. Unfortunately you`ll have to reposition your shelves and then drill some vent holes in the rubs. I have my holes in the front only. |
Royals owned "lots"
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Edited by - hodgie on 08/07/2012 20:12:18 |
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konrad1982
Yearling
United Kingdom
235 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2012 : 22:26:24
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| I always measure temp inside of the rub. Yes, I do not have lids but gap between the top of the rub and board is only tiny one - possibly even vent holes would let more air inside. |
Edited by - konrad1982 on 08/07/2012 22:30:45 |
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 11:35:22
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| I can only advise on what i can see, but heat rises and if you have a slight draft or your room temp lowers then i cant see you`ll be able to get your correct temps and maintain them. As above, i have lids on mine and dont have any problems. |
Royals owned "lots"
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Kelfezond
The bearded one
United Kingdom
4803 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 12:00:30
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| I can't work out why you can't get the temperatures up :/ it looks fine to me, my racks are much more exposed, less reflective tape, less heating. Strange. |
\v/ Click me for Kelfezond Reptiles Facebook Page! \v/
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hodgie
Fully Grown Royal
United Kingdom
1197 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2012 : 12:13:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Kelfezond
I can't work out why you can't get the temperatures up :/ it looks fine to me, my racks are much more exposed, less reflective tape, less heating. Strange.
What temp is your room though, because Conrads is 20.5 |
Royals owned "lots"
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Edited by - hodgie on 09/07/2012 12:21:09 |
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Topic |
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Heat cable vs Heat mat
