I made a mistake!!

[Pure Tortoise Power]

So last night was getting really hot, at 28 celcius, so I thought it may overheat the enclosure if I don't turn off the ceramic heat emitter, but I forgot to turn off the humidifier that gives out tap water vapours... When I woke up the enclosure ambient temp is 21 celcius. Could Lucky possibly get sick from this? I'm worried.

 

[Tim Carlisle]

I don't think that a matter of 8-10 hours at that temperature would do any harm. Have you ever considered purchasing a thermostat for your CHE? Really helps when you are not around of forget to check on him.

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I don't think that a matter of 8-10 hours at that temperature would do any harm. Have you ever considered purchasing a thermostat for your CHE? Really helps when you are not around of forget to check on him.

How do I like... Connect the thermostat with the CHE. Is it complicated? What's the best thermostat brand out there?

 

[Tim Carlisle]

How do I like... Connect the thermostat with the CHE. Is it complicated? What's the best thermostat brand out there?

Not difficult at all. Plug the thermostat int a wall outlet, then plug your CHE into the thermostat. Set the desired temperature on the thermostat, position the sensor in the enclosure, and go. You will want to use a temperature gun afterwards to monitor the different temperatures zones inside your enclosure and adjust as necessary. This will help to ensure that your warmer sides are not too warm, and your cooler sides aren't too low. Only took a couple of days for me to get mine set just right.

I'm not sure what retailers are available to you in Hong Kong, but here is one similar to the one I use that I purchased from Amazon.com ($18.99 USD):

 

[Lyn W]

I have a really simple thermostat on my che similar to this.

The three wires are for the mains, the middle one has a socket for the che to plug into, and the sensor is the probe (placed at tort level somewhere he can't nibble it) which turns the che off and on as needed.
I like this sort because when assembled the leads of the thermostat and the che are long enough to easily reach a spare socket.

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

Not difficult at all. Plug the thermostat int a wall outlet, then plug your CHE into the thermostat. Set the desired temperature on the thermostat, position the sensor in the enclosure, and go. You will want to use a temperature gun afterwards to monitor the different temperatures zones inside your enclosure and adjust as necessary. This will help to ensure that your warmer sides are not too warm, and your cooler sides aren't too low. Only took a couple of days for me to get mine set just right.

I'm not sure what retailers are available to you in Hong Kong, but here is one similar to the one I use that I purchased from Amazon.com ($18.99 USD):

I'll look for this kind of thermostat. But I might need more help setting up. I may need to get a step by step tutorial since I'm not familiar with these kinds of stuff. Thx for your insight.

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I have a really simple thermostat on my che similar to this.

The three wires are for the mains, the middle one has a socket for the che to plug into, and the sensor is the probe (placed at tort level somewhere he can't nibble it) which turns the che off and on as needed.
I like this sort because when assembled the leads of the thermostat and the che are long enough to easily reach a spare socket.

I see. But right now my CHE is switched on and off by a lever, I have no idea how to replace the lever with the thermostat.

 

[Lyn W]

I see. But right now my CHE is switched on and off by a lever, I have no idea how to replace the lever with the thermostat.

I always leave the lever switch in the middle of the lead on and the thermostat controls the power supply.

The plug goes into the mains supply socket.
the socket is for the che plug
the black ended probe is carefully placed in enclosure.
Obviously follow the instructions on the model you buy, they will tell you exactly what to do.

 

[EllieMay]

I'll look for this kind of thermostat. But I might need more help setting up. I may need to get a step by step tutorial since I'm not familiar with these kinds of stuff. Thx for your insight.

I have two of these also. They are very easy and reliable. I ordered mine off of eBay for around $18USD as well

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I have two of these also. They are very easy and reliable. I ordered mine off of eBay for around $18USD as well

May I see how they're set up?

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I always leave the lever switch in the middle of the lead on and the thermostat controls the power supply.

The plug goes into the mains supply socket.
the socket is for the che plug
the black ended probe is carefully placed in enclosure.
Obviously follow the instructions on the model you buy, they will tell you exactly what to do.

Oh they have instructions! That'll help me out a lot XD

 

[Toddrickfl1]

You just plug your CHE into the thermostat, put the temperature probe in your enclosure, and set it at the temperature you want. It's pretty simple.

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

You just plug your CHE into the thermostat, put the temperature probe in your enclosure, and set it at the temperature you want. It's pretty simple.

Ohh now I get it. But do I need 3 of those since I have 3 different temps in the enclosure?

 

[EllieMay]

May I see how they're set up?

I am at work but I will be glad to post some pics when I get home!

 

[EllieMay]

Ohh now I get it. But do I need 3 of those since I have 3 different temps in the enclosure?

I run two in each enclosure. One is for the mat (you probably don’t need that yet, and the other is for the RHP... my basking light is controlled by the height of the bulb... so my coolest spot is never lower than 81f, the overall ambient in the enclosure is about 86f and the basking is around 94F.... the probe for the mat is actually taped to the mat and the RHP probe is in the farthest corner of the enclosure at the substrate level. I have the thermostat of the RHP set at 85 so it keeps the temps with 5% + or -

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Ohh now I get it. But do I need 3 of those since I have 3 different temps in the enclosure?

It will only control one heat source. So if you have more than one, yes.

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I run two in each enclosure. One is for the mat (you probably don’t need that yet, and the other is for the RHP... my basking light is controlled by the height of the bulb... so my coolest spot is never lower than 81f, the overall ambient in the enclosure is about 86f and the basking is around 94F.... the probe for the mat is actually taped to the mat and the RHP probe is in the farthest corner of the enclosure at the substrate level. I have the thermostat of the RHP set at 85 so it keeps the temps with 5% + or -

Yeah it does sound confusing... Please do send some pictures of those whenever you're available. Thx in advance
Also, what's the may and RHP you're taking about? Are they heat producers too?

 

[Pure Tortoise Power]

I'm only using a CHE as temp control as the enclosure size is just 32x19 inches. I do have another uva lamp but it's main purpose is just to produce light and also to add 1 to 2 celcius at daytime. I think using thermostat on that lamp is pretty irrelevant. So I guess I'll only need one for now.

 

[EllieMay]

I'm only using a CHE as temp control as the enclosure size is just 32x19 inches. I do have another uva lamp but it's main purpose is just to produce light and also to add 1 to 2 celcius at daytime. I think using thermostat on that lamp is pretty irrelevant. So I guess I'll only need one for now.

One should definitely do the trick for the CHE in that sizecenclosure.. the RHP I mentioned is a radiant heat panel. It will accomplish the same thing on a bigger scale
My enclosure is a double 4x8 to house 2 sulcatas separately in equal environments. It’s not the prettiest but it works The Mat is a heated pet mat that’s on a thermostat in their hide.

 

[Tom]

It is very easy.

1. Plug the thermostat into the wall.
2. Plug whatever heating element you use to keep the ambient temp up into the thermostat. If you have two CHEs or a CHE and a radiant heat panel, all of the things that keep your ambient temp up will work with one thermostat. Most of them go up to 1000 watts. You could run fifteen 60 watt CHEs through one thermostat in theory.
3. Put the temperature probe somewhere over on the cool side away from heating elements and lights.

That's it. Check the temperature frequently for a few days and adjust the setting up or down a little bit as needed. Once you have it set and your temperature stays where you want it, you only have to check the temperature periodically to make sure it is working.

Your basking lamp and any UV lamps should be plugged into a timer.