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Randy4ut
01-16-2010, 08:57 PM
I just now replaced our fridge that was out in the garage and will be taking the old fridge and turning it into a seed germinating container. I found at work a flat heater similiar to the one below, but an older model.

Heaters | Personal | Under Desk Heater, 170W at 120V | B202099 - GlobalIndustrial.com (http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/hvac/heaters/personal/under-desk-heater-170w-at-120v?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Personal-nextag&infoParam.campaignId=WI)

Now, I need to get a thermostat to plug the heater into, but not sure which one I need or where to get one for the best price. Here is the one I am currently looking at.

Portable Prewired Thermostat | Greenhouse Megastore (http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/Portable-Prewired-Thermostat/productinfo/CT-1000/)

I will also have this hooked up to a timer, so I should have total control of the heat.
Now, what do you folks think!?!?!?! Is this thermostat what I need and is there anything I am missing on this not being a good set up?
Input would be greatly appreciated!!!

Richard
01-16-2010, 09:40 PM
That's a good thermostat for a good price. I'd go with it. That retailer has reasonable prices, not always the lowest but in this case I'd buy it.

For your timer, make sure it is rated for high Amps, such as the analog timers used for spas, pools, etc.

Randy4ut
01-16-2010, 10:42 PM
That's a good thermostat for a good price. I'd go with it. That retailer has reasonable prices, not always the lowest but in this case I'd buy it.

For your timer, make sure it is rated for high Amps, such as the analog timers used for spas, pools, etc.


Will do, Richard. I would like to know your reasoning behind the high amp timer, though... Not questioning it, just trying to understand it a bit more...
Thanks for the input!!!
:bananas_b

Abnshrek
01-17-2010, 03:12 AM
Sounds like a neat set-up :^) better than turning your old frig into a fish-smoker

Dalmatiansoap
01-17-2010, 03:17 AM
Ad socket timer on it too so U can do temp. fluctations.
Some banana seeds just dont sprout without that :(.
:woohoonaner:

Richard
01-17-2010, 03:23 AM
Will do, Richard. I would like to know your reasoning behind the high amp timer, though... Not questioning it, just trying to understand it a bit more...
Thanks for the input!!!
:bananas_b

The heater you listed runs at 170 Watts in prime condition. If you've got a heater and maybe a few other things on that timer then a lamp timer will burn up or at least heat the digital circuit to failure over time.

r3tic
01-17-2010, 11:34 AM
Assuming your garage stays a constant temp, you can get a router speed controller like this... - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060) and adjust it until the fridge maintains the temp you would like. I used to have a large collection of reptiles and this is what I used to control the heat pads for the snakes.

Randy4ut
01-17-2010, 04:08 PM
Assuming your garage stays a constant temp, you can get a router speed controller like this... - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060) and adjust it until the fridge maintains the temp you would like. I used to have a large collection of reptiles and this is what I used to control the heat pads for the snakes.

Appreciate the advice, but unfortunately garage is an unheated space... I just ordered the below and will be looking for a heavy duty timer and then time to put it all together!

Portable Thermostat W/Extended Sensor (http://www.kkontrols.com/pothwse.html)

Richard
01-17-2010, 06:35 PM
The analog (mechanical) timers are no more expensive than their transistor and IC counterparts. Check the big box stores.

wordwiz
01-19-2010, 10:13 PM
I must be missing something - not that this would be a novel experience. If you are using a thermostat, why would you need a timer? The heater would come on when needed, turn off when the temps get to the desired level. A timer could be used to turn supplemental lighting on and off, but even then, if the lights provide enough heat, then the thermostat would keep the heater off.

???

Mike

Randy4ut
01-20-2010, 08:15 AM
I must be missing something - not that this would be a novel experience. If you are using a thermostat, why would you need a timer? The heater would come on when needed, turn off when the temps get to the desired level. A timer could be used to turn supplemental lighting on and off, but even then, if the lights provide enough heat, then the thermostat would keep the heater off.

???

Mike

Mike, I agree with what you are saying, but many Musa species seeds germinate better with an alternating heat. Some tend to germinate better with say 16 hours heat and 8 hours no heat.

wordwiz
01-20-2010, 09:51 AM
"I see," said the blind man! My GH thermostat has a 'nights and weekend' feature where I can set the temps differently.

Mike

malinda
01-09-2014, 12:01 PM
Try this Greenhouse Equipment (http://www.roughbros.com/commercial-greenhouses/equipment-and-parts/catalog)