will this thermostat controll 2 lights in one enclosure

[spottedpython]

i was wondering my sisters boyfriend is building me 6 enclosures all 1200x600x600 and in them enclosures i will have to light bulbs and what wattage should i use and would this thermostat controll 2 lights http://www.herptrader.com.au/picture...Thermostat.jpg

[Slateman]

Yes no problem with that son. It works as switch.

[instar]

Not sure really spotted, mine are old black box types. do the lights plug into it? if they do should be no problem, just use a x2 adapter. Someone who uses might give a bit of useful info about them? I hear that brand alot, thinking of updating mine soon due to varience in on/off temps. I cant wire stuff up, so im looking for user freindly/accurate brands.

[rodentrancher]

Dave is running 3 light globes in 3 old fridges/freezers for our Cricket breeding off one thermostat. He wired them himself.

[africancichlidau]

He's a clever boy eh Cheryl

Spotted, I have a few of those stats in my enclosures. They control from one to 4 lights each and do a very good job of it too. From your post I didn't understand if you meant 2 globes in each enclosure on one stat, or, two enclosures, one globe in each on one stat? Either way the IMIT will do the job but if it's 2 enclosures there are some concerns to watch out for.

[rodentrancher]

Well I thinkso Afro, and he's a Butcher not an electrician. Gonna put one of those heater cords in instead of the lights now tho. Might be more efficient power wise we reckon. Will give it a go anyway hey? Cheers

[herptrader]

Generally you can get away with 1 thermostat controlling multiple enclosures but you need to be sure that they are set up exactly the same heat wise including basking lights and heating elements. Using light globes is ok but if a globe blows in the enclosure with the thermostat the other will overheat.

My preference is for heat tape which I have never heard of failing.

As an example with this enclosure: http://www.herpshop.com.au/widenl.jpg there are probe thermostats only in the left hand unit. The right hand unit runs as a slave.

Things to watch out for are heat sources that might effect one enclosure differently to another such as sunlight from a window or proximity to a heat source. Heat from lower enclosures will be transferred to those above. Also things like ballasts and transformers also give off heat. In the enclosure above each of the lights has a transformer in the base the heat from which will rise up through the enclosures.

Always check the temperature of enclosures with a thermometer. Do not rely on the markings on the thermostat they are at best only a guide. (The digital thermometers on special at the Herp Shop this month are ideal - http://www.herpshop.com.au)

As an aside all of my enclosures now have as their primary heat source heat tape under ceramic tiles. I put together a small web page showing how I have been doing this at http://www.herptrader.com.au/TiledEnclosure

[africancichlidau]

I have been toying with the idea of doing this in a couple of my enclosures herpy. Do you run a rheostat in circuit with your stat or just let the tape run full bore? I run a rheo and stat on my hatchy tubs which sit on tape but it does seem to be a little eratic.