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Propogation heating mats?

elequin

elequin

I've noticed that heated propogation mats seem to be pretty expensive. Would there be any harm in using a heating pad from, say, a pharmacy, instead? (Assuming it was tested with a thermometer.) Or are they not meant to be left on 24/7?

In other words, are there any good substitutions for the purpose-made propogation heat pads?

Also, I want to use heat pads to help germinate seeds here soon. Has anyone used them after germination, and is there any benefit to seedlings or even grown pepper plants?

Thanks in advance!

- Eric
 
I've used regular heating pads before, but it always made me nervous. I finally decided my peace of mind was worth something! I do keep my peppers on the seed starting mats after they germinate, I keep them on it until they're ready to go outside, usually.

It would depend on where you're putting your seedlings and how warm the area is. I keep my house pretty cool in the winter, and peppers don't like having cold feet, hence the use of the seed starting mats.
 
First of all, I sprout seeds on every hot thing around here.
I have seeds on my modem, I have seeds on my computer, I have seeds on the satellite box...
Now about using the pads for already sprouted plants.
If it's not too cold, I can't see a reason why.
 
Pam said:
I've used regular heating pads before, but it always made me nervous. I finally decided my peace of mind was worth something! I do keep my peppers on the seed starting mats after they germinate, I keep them on it until they're ready to go outside, usually.

It would depend on where you're putting your seedlings and how warm the area is. I keep my house pretty cool in the winter, and peppers don't like having cold feet, hence the use of the seed starting mats.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's why I was asking. The thought of using a regular heating pad that isn't rated for 24/7 operation kind-of makes me nervous. I also keep it pretty cool in the house. I may have to just spring for the seed starting mats. Thanks for your input!

thepodpiper said:
I use waterbed heaters controlled by a remote bulb thermostat. these thermostats can control any heat source. Try ebay they have a few there right now cheap.

Dale

http://cgi.ebay.com/Remote-Bulb-The...ryZ20598QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Click to expand...

Hey Dale. After your reply, I did a little research on waterbed heaters. They almost seem as expensive as seed starting mats themselves, and since they're made for heating up a LOT of water, that has me a little nervous. Can you give me a little more detail on your setup? I will admit that the thermostats that seem to be required for each seed starting pad are really pricey compared to the remote bulb thermostats like the one you linked to!

Thanks all!
 
elequin said:
Yeah, that's why I was asking. The thought of using a regular heating pad that isn't rated for 24/7 operation kind-of makes me nervous.
Click to expand...
Heating pads are rated for continuous operation....this is America, we have pretty safe electrical stuff.

I have been using a Wally's world 3 temp heating pad for 10 years; I keep it on low temp (approx 85-87F), 24/7 until I get germination, sometimes as many as 60 days. Cost $8 the best I can remember.
 
I agree with willard3 the heating pads are made to stay on all the time but if it makes you nervous wire up a thermostat and it will turn itself off when it reaches the desired temp. The way I have mine set up is I wire straight from the fuse box and ran it to the location of my thermostat I wired it directly to the thermostat then from the thermostat I wired up a two outlet recepticle, so that I could plug in two waterbed heaters. So lets say you set the temp for 90 deg. the outlets will be hot until the temp of the remote bulb hits 90 deg. then it shuts down the outlet turning off the heaters. My explanation may sound complicated. Its not. It is about a ten min. job to hook this up. My waterbed heaters have thermostats on them but even on the lowest setting they are way to hot I will take some pics when I get home from work and you can see exactly how I have it done.

Dale
 
I bought a whole germination setup heating pad,tray and domed top for under 40$ this will get me to when they sprout then I will throw on the fluorescents - Ive used a heating pad and a sunny window with success as well. This just looks nicer compact and out of the way something my wife likes and what she likes .....
 
I also use a waterbed heater and keep the temps at 90 degrees, though it can be set from 80-105. The box is covered with glass so mositure is maintained also.

Mike
 
Elequin...one question you need to answer is how many seeds are you going to start? That will give an idea of what kind of setup you need...
 
ddrsheden, here is my setup with two waterbed heaters on one remote bulb thermostat


DCP_0998.jpg


DCP_0997.jpg
 
Here is my set up for germinating seeds...

 
Omri said:
First of all, I sprout seeds on every hot thing around here.
I have seeds on my modem, I have seeds on my computer, I have seeds on the satellite box...
Click to expand...

Just like me using the airing cupboard (where the water is heated), it dosen't cost anything and I've got a lot of room.
 
rainbowberry said:
Just like me using the airing cupboard (where the water is heated), it dosen't cost anything and I've got a lot of room.
Click to expand...
We're two resourceful people. :cheers:
 
don't tell me he got into some hot peppers.....
 
thepodpiper said:
No, he got into the cherry toms he sucked all the insides out of about 10 of them.

Dale
Click to expand...

Phew....lucky young man...I bet they were good.....
 
build a 2x4 frame that is 4 foot by 8 foot and lay down that waterbed heater and 3 layers of thick poly then fill it with water .
then lay down 3 more layers of poly.
you now have a place to heat up 16 big plug trays and controll the temp .
it is safe and easy
 
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