Using more than one heart source for multiple enclosures - Thermostats

[Mikoh4792]

Can you plug multiple socket outlets into a thermostat and heat multiple enclosures at the same time?

For example

http://www.arscaging.com/images/models/Herpstat1.jpg

with

http://i39.tinypic.com/2zpiihu.jpg

and then plug in 5 UTH's to heat 5 enclosures of same size to get same temperatures in all of them.

[Starbuck]

in theory, yes...
though remember that you only have one probe, so you can only measure temps in ONE of your tanks/heat sources, all of the otehrs will be controlled by a thermostat adjusting ONLY for that particular probe and heat source.
From what i have heard, it is best to place your probe near your warmest site (thinnest substrate/highest tank?) etc, and remember to check ALL of the temps with a temp gun frequently.

Also, all tanks/hot spots will be approximately the same temperature, so this might not work if you are keeping multiple species. You'll also have to make sure your thermostat is rated appropriately for that much output :P

All of the above not withstanding, i will be doing something similar once i purchase my 5 cage stack soon (all my animals are colubrids)

[smy_749]

If you keep each cage in the same substrate, and the same depth (basically everything identical) and you line them up horizontally, they will probably all be the same temp. if you stack the vertically, the ambients at the top may be a bit warmer.

Also about the different species thing, I have to agree. Although I have one setup to run both a lamp / bulb and UTH at different temps. Works perfectly, maintaing 86 on one and 90 on the other.

[Mikoh4792]

in theory, yes...
though remember that you only have one probe, so you can only measure temps in ONE of your tanks/heat sources, all of the otehrs will be controlled by a thermostat adjusting ONLY for that particular probe and heat source.
From what i have heard, it is best to place your probe near your warmest site (thinnest substrate/highest tank?) etc, and remember to check ALL of the temps with a temp gun frequently.

Also, all tanks/hot spots will be approximately the same temperature, so this might not work if you are keeping multiple species. You'll also have to make sure your thermostat is rated appropriately for that much output :P

All of the above not withstanding, i will be doing something similar once i purchase my 5 cage stack soon (all my animals are colubrids)

If you keep each cage in the same substrate, and the same depth (basically everything identical) and you line them up horizontally, they will probably all be the same temp. if you stack the vertically, the ambients at the top may be a bit warmer.

Also about the different species thing, I have to agree. Although I have one setup to run both a lamp / bulb and UTH at different temps. Works perfectly, maintaing 86 on one and 90 on the other.

You mean to say that one thermostat has two probes? Like herpstat 2? or vivarium electronics 300x2?


And yes I intend on using one thermostat for the same species. If it is possible to use the thermostat as I was asking about, I intend on using one for 3 UTH's for 3 tubs for 3 ball pythons, all placed horizontally on a rack. They will all have the same setup with all furniture placed in identical positions of the tubs.

I also have multiple heat guns to check temperatures of areas not monitored by stationary thermometers.

I already have my thermostat, and tubs/rack are coming in tomorrow. I'm going to test it out with the 6 socket outlet and I'll tell you guys how it goes.

[Mikoh4792]

If you keep each cage in the same substrate, and the same depth (basically everything identical) and you line them up horizontally, they will probably all be the same temp. if you stack the vertically, the ambients at the top may be a bit warmer.

Also about the different species thing, I have to agree. Although I have one setup to run both a lamp / bulb and UTH at different temps. Works perfectly, maintaing 86 on one and 90 on the other.

So in theory if my idea does work, you think you could do the same with your setup? As in two outlets for two different heat sources. Let's say you have 6 enclosures. One probe for UTH and one probe for Heat lamp. Both probes in the same enclosure. 6 heat lamps on the heat lamp outlet and 6 UTH on the UTH outlet. All lamps running 86 and all UTH's running 90.

[LadyWraith]

I have the Flexwatt for both of my snake enclosures wired to one plug and plugged into my t-stat. I have my BP on top with the probe in his enclosure since he requires the warmer temps. I've had great success with that, which is basically the same thing you want to do with having multiple units running on one t-stat. Just make sure to monitor temps frequently.

[Mikoh4792]

I have the Flexwatt for both of my snake enclosures wired to one plug and plugged into my t-stat. I have my BP on top with the probe in his enclosure since he requires the warmer temps. I've had great success with that, which is basically the same thing you want to do with having multiple units running on one t-stat. Just make sure to monitor temps frequently.

I know that can be done because I've seen people do it. However I'm talking about 3 different sources of heat plugged into an outlet plugged into a thermostat.

Your method I may use if I decide to get a racking system since I'll be using flexxwatt instead of heat pads.

[smy_749]

The setup i referred to is only 1 probe, for the UTH. Just played around with lamp height till I got my desired temp. I dont recommend this, its hard to get accurate temps this way.

[LadyWraith]

I don't see why them being plugged into a power strip (like what you pictured above) and then plugged into a t-stat would be an issue. If that's how I understand the setup you're talking about, it's the same principle: multiple heat sources feeding into one main plug that then feeds to the stat. What I was referencing to was not so much that it COULD be done, but the effects of doing so. I don't doubt the actual method would work (cause it's pretty likely it will), I was just giving a real life experience about how the heat exchange works between the multiple enclosures. Heat rising etc.... I was merely expounding on smy's previous post regarding the same topic.

[Mikoh4792]

I don't see why them being plugged into a power strip (like what you pictured above) and then plugged into a t-stat would be an issue. If that's how I understand the setup you're talking about, it's the same principle: multiple heat sources feeding into one main plug that then feeds to the stat. What I was referencing to was not so much that it COULD be done, but the effects of doing so. I don't doubt the actual method would work (cause it's pretty likely it will), I was just giving a real life experience about how the heat exchange works between the multiple enclosures. Heat rising etc.... I was merely expounding on smy's previous post regarding the same topic.

I see. Of course there will be slight differences in different enclosures so I'll have to be careful on where I position them. Anyway they won't be too far away from each other since they are very small tubs (17x11x6). Temps should be fairly consistent whether stacking vertically or horizontally when using such small enclosures. Anyways, I'm gonna try it out tomorrow and if it works then i've learned something new.

[KORBIN5895]

Be extremely careful with prove placement. If the snake lays on the probe or spills its water on it it will cause the heat to kick in and potentially roast the other two.

I also wouldn't recommend using three matts. What if one malfunctions and over heats? A length of flexwatt would be a continuous circuit and probably trip the probe.

[Mikoh4792]

Be extremely careful with prove placement. If the snake lays on the probe or spills its water on it it will cause the heat to kick in and potentially roast the other two.

I also wouldn't recommend using three matts. What if one malfunctions and over heats? A length of flexwatt would be a continuous circuit and probably trip the probe.

Those were one of my worries. Having thought that point through, I will just use 2 UTH's on a herpstat 2(2 thermostats in one) and then the last tub on a single thermostat.

I would use flex-watt on these tubs but I have already ordered the UTH's for them. I don't know how long these zoo med UTH's last but once they start getting old I will replace them with a single strip of heat tape which sounds like a better plan.

[Mikoh4792]

Korbin, do you think it's possible to use multiple heat tape sources on a single thermostat? Since you place the probe directly onto the heat tape, there is no actual contact in the enclosures. So there will be no chance of spilling water or laying on the probe.

[Lankyrob]

Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. My personal view is that each animal should be afforded the same protection and each one should have its own heater, own thermostat.

[Mikoh4792]

Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. My personal view is that each animal should be afforded the same protection and each one should have its own heater, own thermostat.

I'll just use a herpstat 2 for two tubs and a helix for the other.

You aren't talking about flexxwat with one thermostat to heat multiple enclosures though are you? As in a racking system that uses 8 feet of flex watt hooked up to thermostat probe that is taped up directly on the heat tape. So 1 thermostat for a single strip of flex watt heating 8 tubs.

[Lankyrob]

I'll just use a herpstat 2 for two tubs and a helix for the other.

You aren't talking about flexxwat with one thermostat to heat multiple enclosures though are you? As in a racking system that uses 8 feet of flex watt hooked up to thermostat probe that is taped up directly on the heat tape. So 1 thermostat for a single strip of flex watt heating 8 tubs.

Personally? I wouldnt use this system, dont like tubs at all and even if i did use flexwatt i would have one thermostat per animal

[Mikoh4792]

Personally? I wouldnt use this system, dont like tubs at all and even if i did use flexwatt i would have one thermostat per animal

Damn lol. So I am guessing you don't even use racks. I also house all of my reptiles in actual enclosures. But using tubs/racks is always something I have wanted to try out.

[Lankyrob]

I give each animal as much space as efficiently i can working in the confines of a house. Whilst i understand why people use tubs/racks i dont agree with them for my animals.

[KORBIN5895]

I would personally only use one heat source per one probe. What if the hear source taped to the probe ( which is not how I do it) stopped producing heat? the other two would Sky rocket.

As for your example of a rack system that is basically how it works. I dint place my probe on the heat tape though as that is not where my animals are .

[infernalis]

I would personally only use one heat source per one probe. What if the heat source taped to the probe ( which is not how I do it) stopped producing heat? the other two would Sky rocket.

This is the most common sense I have read all night.

This is a perfect point, why shortcuts never work. If the "master" heater (the one measured by the thermostat) were to sway either way, the other two follow, laws of physics cannot be broken.

[Mikoh4792]

This is the most common sense I have read all night.

This is a perfect point, why shortcuts never work. If the "master" heater (the one measured by the thermostat) were to sway either way, the other two follow, laws of physics cannot be broken.

I would personally only use one heat source per one probe. What if the hear source taped to the probe ( which is not how I do it) stopped producing heat? the other two would Sky rocket.

As for your example of a rack system that is basically how it works. I dint place my probe on the heat tape though as that is not where my animals are .

I agree. I'll use one probe per heat source.

When using racks/tubs do you still place the probe inside the tub under the warm hide? What do you think of the "popular" way of placing the probe on the heat tape, and seeing what temperature you have to set it to in order to get desired temps on the hotspot? For example setting a thermostat with the probe taped directly to the heat tape to 93F to get a 90F hotspot inside a tub.

[formica]

Be aware of your Power usage, thermostats are not designed to route power to more than one thing, unless they have more than one power outlet, check the max AMP and POWER rating of your thermostat output switch, take off 30%, then figure out if your heaters are higher than that figure - the thermostat switch may not be able to provide enough power, they may over heat and start fires, they may just die/blow fuse because the switch cannot handle the amps being pulled thru it.


But tbh the issue is kinda moot without more than one probe