Heat Pads

[4Shoes]

Been dithering about buying under soil cable or heat pads to create a propagator.

As I also brew beer, was wondering how robust the heat pads were. Could they handle a 23kg bucket of beer, or would I have to wrap the bucket with the pad.

Was going to get a inkbird controller to manage the temperature in my beer fridge (if I can find a fridge), so it can double for the propagator

Or is the cable a better solution in the long run?

Advice welcome
- thanks

[geepee]

Been dithering about buying under soil cable or heat pads to create a propagator.

As I also brew beer, was wondering how robust the heat pads were. Could they handle a 23kg bucket of beer, or would I have to wrap the bucket with the pad.

Was going to get a inkbird controller to manage the temperature in my beer fridge (if I can find a fridge), so it can double for the propagator

Or is the cable a better solution in the long run?

Advice welcome
- thanks

Hi 4s

I had the same dilemma about 6 months ago..

Finished up using Heat cable for propogator as I feel if buried in a sand bed, the cable distributes heat more evenly,as long as your not 'Stingy' with the length.

Your pad should take the weight of a full 25 ltr FV (check with Manufacturer if in doubt).
I've now got 4 Inkbirds running my Propogator/light box etc..
Theyve been NO TROUBLE,reliable and easy to use so far.
The wiring diagram supplied with Inkbird double relay is a bit 'Scary' but plenty of info on you tube etc.

My propogator is 4' x 2' (120 cm x 60cm) and 18'' high head room with 2'' (50mm) of sand with a 7mtr cable running on 70 watts max,Lined out with foil covered bubble wrap as reflection and insulation, but with the inkbird I can maintain 20 C easily with the cable only running approx 40% of the time.
Hope this helps.
Gp

[4Shoes]

Hi 4s

I've now got 4 Inkbirds running my Propogator/light box etc..
Theyve been NO TROUBLE,reliable and easy to use so far.
The wiring diagram supplied with Inkbird double relay is a bit 'Scary' but plenty of info on you tube etc.
Gp

Did you use the ITC1000 with 2 extension leads and a box to mount or have you gone down the double box and 2 x single 13A sockets?

[geepee]

Did you use the ITC1000 with 2 extension leads and a box to mount or have you gone down the double box and 2 x single 13A sockets?

Ive got 2 ITC 1000 with double Relays,they run a heater and extractor/cooling fan from each ,so service 2 compartments.
Plus 2 Single relay units,1 of which runs a fan for third compartment.
The other single relay purely runs the Reptile Heated cable to the fourth compartment.

All 4 units are mounted in the end of a mushroom tray fixed to the outside of the cabinet.

Ive got another 2 relay which im going to replace one of the singles with and add another fan when I get round to it,(no pressure until ambient temps raise and/or ventilation becomes a problem.

I've decided that from now on , any further inkbirds i need I'll just buy double relays, there only about £1 or 2 more expensive than singles but give loads more flexibility.

Its great to be able to grow plants under these controlled conditions of heat and light.....sooo heartbreaking to watch them wither and die as they mostly did under the old regime..ie waiting for the right conditions which NEVER seem to happen.

[4Shoes]

Looking good. I was looking at the ITC308 (with spare probe) for the portability aspect, but 2 x ITC1000 will cost about the same and give more flexibility. Get one and a heating wire and give it a go.

[4Shoes]

How much better are the "Parasene" than Own Brand Soil Warming Cables - reliability? Are they all a much of a much? Was set to buy Elixir 6m (50W) and see Parasene (75w) on offer at similar price.

Over thinking - but have the time

[geepee]

How much better are the "Parasene" than Own Brand Soil Warming Cables - reliability? Are they all a much of a much? Was set to buy Elixir 6m (50W) and see Parasene (75w) on offer at similar price.

Over thinking - but have the time

Not had any experience of either of those brands, mine is a 7 mtr long ,70 watt Reptile cable, shame I only threw the box out last week, was in a black box with Green/yellow graphics.
From Ham on the bone lol, approx £15-20 .
I will look see if I can find details and Pm you if thats ok..??
Gp

[4Shoes]

Going to go for the parasene cable. it is 50% more powerful and the one on offer is just a £1 more. I was concerned it may be a fake at that price, but e-bay policy should protect me from that. I had looked at some reptile products, but the temperature range was lower than the garden propagator range.

[geepee]

Going to go for the parasene cable. it is 50% more powerful and the one on offer is just a £1 more. I was concerned it may be a fake at that price, but e-bay policy should protect me from that. I had looked at some reptile products, but the temperature range was lower than the garden propagator range.

You pay your money and take your chance eh, just check Probe construction (Waterproof or not) ,Heat loss along cable length, If Reputable product it will state both.
Easy to be £ foolish and Penny wise.....generally.....you get what you pay for bud.
Gp
Ps,.... Ive found the 'bay' doesnt always tell the truth.