Using a pulse thermostat with a heat mat

BristolAvon · Feb 19, 2012

Hi all,

In my smaller viv - I have a small pro-rep heat mat (takes up about 30% of the floor) which is controlled by a microclimate stat. The problem I'm having is stabilising temperatures in viv. To put it mildly - the temperature are up and down like a whore's drawers. I'm thinking of upgrading the on/off thermostat to the Habistat pulse thermostat. Will this be safe? The online guidance states that it's designed for use with a ceramic bulb - but does this mean it won't work safely with a heat mat?

Also - how can I fix the sensor above the heat mat so it doesn't move and mess up the heating. The bottom of the viv is made from glass, so naturally I can't screw it in.

Hannah81 · Feb 19, 2012

Where is the stat probe at the moment?

Yes mats will work with pulse stats.
You could stick the probe down with a blob of aquarium sealant.

markhill · Feb 19, 2012

yes its safe, every mat I have is controlled by Pulsestats.

Could you use a suction cup to stick the probe down?

ReptileMadBoy · Feb 19, 2012

You need to try and stick the probe down with a suction cup, it should do the job, but is is 100% safe dont worry.

BristolAvon · Feb 19, 2012

The sensor is wedged between a big stone and the hide at the moment. Would the suction cups not come unstuck though? I'm just concerned he might move them to the cool end of the tank and end up roasting.

BristolAvon · Feb 19, 2012

Also - isn't the sensor supposed to be resting on the substrate. If I stuck it down with a suction cup - then surely it would be beneath it instead...

Hannah81 · Feb 19, 2012

Weigh it down with a hide over the heat mat.

hellocharlieboy · Feb 19, 2012

pulse stats are a lot more accurate at monitoring and maintaining temps, so I would recommend changing.

from memory mat/on off stats can have something like a 4 degree variance (two either way) from the set temp.

hope this helps

Using a pulse thermostat with a heat mat

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