Large sterilite clip-on lid tub, how secure is it? - Page 4

**Minkness** · 03-11-16, 03:35 PM

Why would multiple bulbs/mats have issues?

serpentgirl123 · 03-11-16, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

I checked out that dimmer and had a laugh at the 1st review that shows.... XD

On a side note, I have some questions about that dimmer.

First, how do you know how warm it makes things? Temp gun?

Also, can you plug it into a multi-plug system and still have it work? (Think...6 plug surge protector)

I don't know about a multi-plug system--I only use them with 1 heat mat that is connected to a surge protector for extra protection against a possible fire.

But what I do, is get an empty tub or tank (I have multiple of each size) and set the dimmer about 1/2 way and add whatever substrate and other cage accessories I plan on using. I leave it for a day and then check the temps with my temp gun. If it isn't at the desired range, I move the dimmer up or down, leave it alone for another day and check the temps. Once it is in the rough range of temps, I use a small piece of tape and with a pen, write the temp at that spot on the dimmer (aka it is between 85-90). This way I know if I push the dimmer button up "this particular amount" it is about 85-90. But whenever I use a dimmer I double check the temps at least 2x a day and adjust a bit accordingly. It is a lot of trial and error and constant adjusting.

I personally prefer the Jump Start over the dimmer because I can set it and it stays within the desired range. But I have/still use both along with a herpstat for my racks.

**Minkness** · 03-11-16, 03:41 PM

What is the jump start?

serpentgirl123 · 03-11-16, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

What is the jump start?

It is the name of the heat mat thermostat that EZ mentioned and Humble linked.

Amazon.com : Jump Start MTPRTC, Digital ETL-Certified Heat Mat Thermostat for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

**Minkness** · 03-11-16, 03:47 PM

Oooh! I missed that XD

Thanks for the info and suggestions. Been looking for a better way to control heat for when I go 'big'.

Would the dimmer work on an RHP as well?

Humble308 · 03-11-16, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serpentgirl123

I don't know about a multi-plug system--I only use them with 1 heat mat that is connected to a surge protector for extra protection against a possible fire.

But what I do, is get an empty tub or tank (I have multiple of each size) and set the dimmer about 1/2 way and add whatever substrate and other cage accessories I plan on using. I leave it for a day and then check the temps with my temp gun. If it isn't at the desired range, I move the dimmer up or down, leave it alone for another day and check the temps. Once it is in the rough range of temps, I use a small piece of tape and with a pen, write the temp at that spot on the dimmer (aka it is between 85-90). This way I know if I push the dimmer button up "this particular amount" it is about 85-90. But whenever I use a dimmer I double check the temps at least 2x a day and adjust a bit accordingly. It is a lot of trial and error and constant adjusting.

I personally prefer the Jump Start over the dimmer because I can set it and it stays within the desired range. But I have/still use both along with a herpstat for my racks.

Pretty much exactly how I do it as well. No animal enters the tank until it's dialed in. The Jump Start is that HydroFarm T-stat I linked earlier.

Depending on your houses power services when you draw too many amps from an outlet you can trip a breaker. Usually stuff like heat mats won't cause issues, not sure about bulbs...I trip breakers in the house I rent fairly often when like an idiot I'm trying to microwave something and use the toaster oven at the same time. (Frankly idiotic wiring by the original owners). You might notice that a light dims when you use a hair dryer or similar...same idea. If this happens when you're not at the house then you can lose power to your heat sources. Not a problem for a day or two, but if you've got a trip to take then it can mean no heat for your sweeties.

I fear I've gone drastically off topic as this won't be an issue for most modern houses, but it's something to consider when you're hooking alot of crap into one outlet.

**Minkness** · 03-11-16, 03:55 PM

Ah, thanks for that info! I was asking because I did recently get a house. It's about 20 years old and I know zero about te electrical yet, but the room I'm making my herp room has like 2 outlets on every wall lol. Right now my mats don't cause an issue, but I am looking to redo setups and heating options. So I appreciate the info! I never travel, so not too worried about power outages.

Humble308 · 03-11-16, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Oooh! I missed that XD

Thanks for the info and suggestions. Been looking for a better way to control heat for when I go 'big'.

Would the dimmer work on an RHP as well?

I don't think it works as well as the T-stat would. I've done a little research on it as I'm preparing to put an RHP in my gray rats enclosure and the general consensus was to stick with the t-stat. Depending on the panel you're already into for $70 at least, so why not just spend the extra $30 and do it right.

The dimmer in itself will work on all kinds of stuff. It simply limits how much electricity gets to whatever it's plugged into. Think of it like the burner knob on your stove top...You can boil water slow or boil it super fast

**Minkness** · 03-11-16, 04:26 PM

Ah, that makes sense!

I will revisot the dimmer vs tstat when I'm ready for the new set ups. Thanks for the great info though!

toddnbecka · 03-12-16, 02:14 AM

I looked at the available options, and decided that the herpstat 4 is probably the best all around for multiple enclosures. I have several Helix that I use for heat mats, and they're fine for maintaining a steady temp, but they don't have a night-drop option like the herpstats. The other consideration is that the Helix will run up to 3 mats but only has 1 temp probe, while the Herpstat 4 has 4 separate probes to more closely regulate the temps in individual enclosures.
I started out with rheostats and zoo-med heat mats. Now those are gathering dust in a cabinet, and I use Ultratherm mats and Helix or Herpstat t-stats to regulate them.

dannybgoode · 03-12-16, 11:45 AM

Think of a rheostat as like a volume control on a hi fi. It will set the sound level but will take no account of ambient noise so will not make the music louder or quieter as and when background noise levels change.

A dimmer or rheostat is the same with heat.

pet_snake_78 · 03-13-16, 10:41 PM

Dimmers work OK for me but I use them in a snake room with very tight temperature control so there is not a lot of flucuation there. In general, I think most people will fair much better with a proportional tstat on heat mats. You can even throw in the dimmer to make sure if the tstat fails open that the mat does not get enough heat to melt the tub.