Hydrofarm thermostat

[Lickeypie]

Would it possible to hook up more than one heat tape to a hydrofarm thermostat? Or would it be too risky... because there is only one probe?

[slowhite03]

I would think not because there is only 1 readout too. If you need two, just buy another one

[Terranaut]

You answered your own question ;)

[Lickeypie]

better stock up before the next expo (;

what's an economical alternative to hydrofarm that can be used for multiple enclosures?

[Mikoh4792]

better stock up before the next expo (;

what's an economical alternative to hydrofarm that can be used for multiple enclosures?

I think most people go to hydrofarm when trying to be economical.

I don't know how many thermostats there are with multiple probes that are around the same price range. The ones I know of are priced much higher(herpstat, VE...etc)

[Lickeypie]

in the future i'd rather buy one more expensive thermostat that could regulate multiple enclosures rather than a bunch of hydrofarms. Hydrofarms take up a lot of space, maybe I'm just being too nit-picky.

"economical" in the sense that ok a hydrofarm costs around $30, so are there any thermostats on the market that could regulate 3 enclosures for around $100 (which makes sense because it's around the price of 3 hydrofarms). i hope i'm making some sense.

[Mikoh4792]

in the future i'd rather buy one more expensive thermostat that could regulate multiple enclosures rather than a bunch of hydrofarms. Hydrofarms take up a lot of space, maybe I'm just being too nit-picky.

"economical" in the sense that ok a hydrofarm costs around $30, so are there any thermostats on the market that could regulate 3 enclosures for around $100 (which makes sense because it's around the price of 3 hydrofarms). i hope i'm making some sense.

Yeah I'd go that route as well.

I don't know of any that are around that price range. Sorry.

[Lickeypie]

i saw what you posted on the other forum, i assume you mean using a longer piece of heat tape with one thermostat to heat multiple enclosures... is that efficient?

[Mikoh4792]

i saw what you posted on the other forum, i assume you mean using a longer piece of heat tape with one thermostat to heat multiple enclosures... is that efficient?

I'd say so, I mean that's the principle behind smaller racking systems where you use one heat source to heat multiple tubs. Or you could lay the flexxwat flat on a surface and just put multiple tubs over them side to side.

[Lickeypie]

I like that idea, but I'm not sure how different that is to my initial idea...

Couldn't you use one of these:

http://images.philips.com/is/image/PhilipsConsumer/SPS1030K_17-IMS-global?wid=330&hei=330&$jpglarge$

And then put two flexiwatts through the one hydrofarm? With the rack system there aren't multiple probes, as long as you monitor the temps shouldn't it be okay?

[Mikoh4792]

I like that idea, but I'm not sure how different that is to my initial idea...

Couldn't you use one of these:

http://images.philips.com/is/image/PhilipsConsumer/SPS1030K_17-IMS-global?wid=330&hei=330&$jpglarge$

And then put two flexiwatts through the one hydrofarm? With the rack system there aren't multiple probes, as long as you monitor the temps shouldn't it be okay?

Yes but the thing is what happens if the heat source with the probe on it fails? if it stops working than the other heat source will run on full power trying to get to the set temperature that the the probe on the failed heat source is on, resulting in overheating.

With the rack system there aren't multiple probes, as long as you monitor the temps shouldn't it be okay?

Yes but there aren't multiple heat sources either. If you use more than one heat source you'll need more than one thermostat probe.


Not only that not all heat pads of the same size/brand will work the same. If the thermostat puts the heat sources on 40% power for example, one heat source could be hotter/cooler than the other.

[Lickeypie]

Makes sense! 'Tis why I asked, thank you!

[Mikoh4792]

Makes sense! 'Tis why I asked, thank you!

No problem, I had the same question a few months back. I've tested the initial method of using one probe for multiple heat sources and found that even when using the same brand/size the readings can be different for each one.

[Lickeypie]

Is there a limit to how long the flexiwatt can be per thermostat? I think mine right now are 1 foot, with this new info, I might upgrade a few to longer flexiwatt

[Mikoh4792]

Is there a limit to how long the flexiwatt can be per thermostat? I think mine right now are 1 foot, with this new info, I might upgrade a few to longer flexiwatt

I think there is a limit, my racking system uses about 7-8 feet. Although the limit should be much more than that. Try contacting a company like reptilebasics that sells heat tape and ask them.

[Lickeypie]

7' is more than I planned on getting anyways, so I think I'm safe :)

[SKYlord]

Each thermostat is rated for x amount of watts. Heat tape is sold by watts per foot. So figure out how many watts per foot and multiply by the length and make sure it is under the thermostats max wattage

[Terranaut]

A hydrafarm is rated for 1000 watts.

[SKYlord]

So you could run about 250' of 4 watt heat tape.

[LarryS]

It is always best to check with the manufacturer specs when working with heating products.

Here are the maximum runs and other information on Calorique.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/inkahootz/Screenshot2013-09-16at95953AM.png

Thy have a lot of helpful information on their website also.

Technical Information Sheets - Calorique (http://www.calorique.com/resources/technical-information-sheets/index.html)