Heat mat as flexible space heater in tent?

DeadHeadX

DeadHeadX

Well-Known Member
Wondering if anyone uses heat mats as mini, flexible space heaters. I had them under my fabric pots, whiich was great in seedling and early veg, but now that their roots have started to spread, I think the mats are keeping the bottom of the root zone too warm. But I need some more heat in my tightly packed 3x3 tent. I’m experimenting with using the heat mat on its edge as a really thin space heater. i have another I could add in the same capacity - not touching the pots to overheat the roots. Has anyone tried this? Any reason it’s a bad idea? Seems like the heat mats by nature should be pretty safe. I’d be hard pressed to fit a heater inside. Feedback or suggestions appreciated. My tent is a tad too cold.
 
Herb & Suds

Herb & Suds

Well-Known Member
DeadHeadX said:
Wondering if anyone uses heat mats as mini, flexible space heaters. I had them under my fabric pots, whiich was great in seedling and early veg, but now that their roots have started to spread, I think the mats are keeping the bottom of the root zone too warm. But I need some more heat in my tightly packed 3x3 tent. I’m experimenting with using the heat mat on its edge as a really thin space heater. i have another I could add in the same capacity - not touching the pots to overheat the roots. Has anyone tried this? Any reason it’s a bad idea? Seems like the heat mats by nature should be pretty safe. I’d be hard pressed to fit a heater inside. Feedback or suggestions appreciated. My tent is a tad too cold.
Click to expand...
Why don’t you just lower thermostat on heat mat and buy a proper heater?
 
DeadHeadX

DeadHeadX

Well-Known Member
Herb & Suds said:
Why don’t you just lower thermostat on heat mat and buy a proper heater?
Click to expand...
No thermostat on the mats. I am looking for a heater to fit the space, but it’s going to have to be small, and that’s been harder to find. Trying to make do with what I have on hand until then. Really just need a little boost. The heat mats were providing that, but no need to cook the roots. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Herb & Suds

Herb & Suds

Well-Known Member
DeadHeadX said:
No thermostat on the mats. I am looking for a heater to fit the space, but it’s going to have to be small, and that’s been harder to find. Trying to make do with what I have on hand until then. Really just need a little boost. The heat mats were providing that, but no need to cook the roots. Thanks for the suggestion.
Click to expand...
No way would I run mats without it
61536838-3BD6-4775-B4F6-C7B22BAE1B86.jpeg
 
DeadHeadX

DeadHeadX

Well-Known Member
I tried it for a while, and really not kicking out enough heat to make a difference anyway. Running a space heater outside the tent for now, which works fine, but I also figure there is a more efficient solution.
 
lusidghost

lusidghost

Well-Known Member
A couple of weeks ago I saw someone suggest using heat mats underneath a tent. I like the idea because they are flat and waterproof, but I couldn't imagine that they produce enough heat. I just looked up one that's 48x20" and it only pulls 105w.
 
MidnightSun72

MidnightSun72

Well-Known Member
A space heater is like 1000-1500W. A heat matt won't come close. And if it could it would burn the tent down lol.
 
coreywebster

coreywebster

Well-Known Member
lusidghost said:
A couple of weeks ago I saw someone suggest using heat mats underneath a tent. I like the idea because they are flat and waterproof, but I couldn't imagine that they produce enough heat. I just looked up one that's 48x20" and it only pulls 105w.
Click to expand...
Often wondered about electric blankets under a tent .

On a side note I had a customer who we installed underfloor heating, they had a bean bag.. the heat just built up until the whole thing melted :o
 
lusidghost

lusidghost

Well-Known Member
coreywebster said:
Often wondered about electric blankets under a tent .

On a side note I had a customer who we installed underfloor heating, they had a bean bag.. the heat just built up until the whole thing melted :o
Click to expand...
This sounds like something that would happen with Nikola Tesla's wireless energy idea.
 
DeadHeadX

DeadHeadX

Well-Known Member
coreywebster said:
Ceramic tube heaters.
Oil filled radiator
Or slow your extraction down
Click to expand...
Extraction is already at a low setting and only kicking in for high humidity. I’m also looking into stuff I have sitting around that I can use to insulate the tent. Found an oil/radiant heater with a pretty small footprint on Amazon and will probably try that. Currently have four, five gallon fabric pots taking up most of the space on the floor, but I think the small oil heater will fit. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
.Smoke

.Smoke

Well-Known Member
DeadHeadX said:
I tried it for a while, and really not kicking out enough heat to make a difference anyway. Running a space heater outside the tent for now, which works fine, but I also figure there is a more efficient solution.
Click to expand...
I use one of these.
6" x 6" in size so easily fits in the tent, 500w and a manual on/off switch so you can use it with an inkbird temp controller which is rated for 1000w. It more than keeps a 5x5 warm. $18
 
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