Where to put the probe

[kare]

I finally set up my stack of 321 cages but am having trouble figuring out where I should place the probe. I am using a Herpstat pro and the probe's diameter is larger than the space between the cages, so taping it to the flexwatt would "squish" it and raise the back of the cages up. There isn't a slot cut for it and I'd really hate to drill a hole to place it inside. Anybody tell me where they positioned their probes? Thanks!

[trizztan2002]

There isn't a slot cut for it and I'd really hate to drill a hole to place it inside. Anybody tell me where they positioned their probes?


i just got my 422D cage 3 days ago:D and had been wondering what the answer was to that same question. after searching alot of threads i just drilled a hole a few inches up from the bottom and an inch or so in from the hot end. . i just taped it directly under, and or on top of the hot spot. .you could even cover it if worried about appearance. i am fairly new to caging so i dont know if there are better ways, but as far as notching goes (depending on diameter of the probe) that would be hard because of the 1/4 in. thickness of the cage. maybe notch both of the mating cages?

[The_Boaphile]

We recommend cages with under heat have the probe placed directly on the heater of one of the cages between the cages. This way no hole need be drilled and the temperature can be measured directly on the source of the heat. If using the Ranco thermostats we sell, this works fine as the probe is small enough to place between the cages. The probe cord should run out the back of the cage stack vs. the end as it will not hold the cage up like it will if run out the end or side. If you are using some other thermostat with a large probe, you will need to drill a hole for the probe or run it into the cage through the door opening. We only sell one thermostat and have set our cages up with that thermostat in mind. There are many many other thermostats out there and setting up to allow everyone that is out there and every one that will appear on the scene, is virtually impossible. Thermostats seem to be like the fly by night cage/rack makers out there. They come, make a bunch of products that begin failing, and then they just fade away leaving good people stuck with stuff that doesn't work. This is why we stick with the Ranco thermostat. Thousands upon thousands are out there and they are rock solid great thermostats. Much like all the products we offer.

By the way, drilling the material is very easy and the material will not crack or split on you.

[kare]

Thanks, Jeff.
I think I will be placing an order with you for a Ranco thermostat. I'd rather get what fits, then try to drill - I'm not the best at handiwork. LOL. I'll use the other thermostat on my rack system.

[sunglow]

hey Jeff
should the probe be placed directly on the flexwatt on all the boaphile cages and racks such as the 5 draw sterilite rack and the 30 Drawer Shoe Box Rack aswell?

[The_Boaphile]

The best place to position the probe on any cage or rack, no matter who the manufacturer is, is directly on the heater. This way the temp can be kept as steady as possible and any variation can be corrected as quickly as possible by a reliable thermostat. I have heard of some people heating melamine cages with Flexwatt under the melamine with the probe in the cage half way up the back. That means the Flexwatt can be running too warm for a long time potentially before the thermostat may turn off that Flexwatt. Assuming the thermostat is a good thermostat with the kind of track record of the Ranco Thermostats we use have, and not something else that has a terrible record for failure.

The temp of your cages and racks must then be calibrated off the temperature reading of the heater. i.e.: You may need to run your heater at 92 degrees to maintain your cages at 85 degrees. Every situation is unique and requires some tweaking to get everything just right.

[trizztan2002]

You may need to run your heater at 92 degrees to maintain your cages at 85 degrees. Every situation is unique and requires some tweaking to get everything just right.

jeff,
can you tell me how hot is too hot to have the thermostat set to. my thermostat is set to 100 with the probe placed directly on the hot spot inside the cage and i am only reaching about 76-78 on my cool end of the cage. i have about 6 or so layers of newspaper on top of the probe. do i crank it up until i reach that 80-82 on the cool side or am i doing something wrong?
thanx

[The_Boaphile]

THe Flexwatt is not running at 100 degrees correct? The actual temperature that the Flexwatt is will be desplyed on the T-Stat. What does it read? Call me if you would like to get to the bottom of this more quickly. (507) 263-7289

Also I Have written up great information on the site that will help you through this:

Heating Tips (http://www.boaphileplastics.com/heatingtips.html)

[sunglow]

jeff
if the probe is directly on the flexwatt and the temp. of the room changes like if it gets cold at nite will the cage temps go below what you want them to be at because wont the flexwatt heat up quicker than the air in the cage?

[sunglow]

jeff
if the probe is directly on the flexwatt and the temp. of the room changes like if it gets cold at nite will the cage temps go below what you want them to be at because wont the flexwatt heat up quicker than the air in the cage?

[sunglow]

?????

[ChrisGilbert]

I am using a Herpstat Pro for 4 of my boaphile cages, and two separate Herpstats for my other two. I put the probe inside the cage and tape it down to the floor right where the heat is with electrical tape or scotch tape. The cord for these probes is very thin and I simply run that out the front of the cage door. The probe itself lies centered in the heat (undercage flexwatt Jeff offers on some, and self wired flexwatt on others).