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A Question About Heat Tape

W

wildernessey

Feelin' Snakey
I am totally confused on the issue of heat tape. So would one of you who have built your own racks give me a quick hand here! LOL! Please?

I am wanting to build a rack that will house adults and babies. Adults on the bottom and babies on top. It will probably run about 4 feet wide and probably close to 4 feet tall.
I've always read that belly heat is the best, but I see where some people have built racks on the web and run heat tape up the back wall.
Also, which size width and why?
Will I be able to wire the different shelves together if I place the tape on the shelf (in the back) as opposed to one piece running up and down the back wall?
Can I mix and match sizes of heat tape? Bigger on bottom smaller on top if I'm running it along the shelves? Would that be advisable?

Did I lose anyone here? LOL!! I hope this isn't a stupid question. It's the last nugget of knowledge I need and I will have a rack soon!! YEA!!

Also, what is the best method of measuring heat you've found? Individual thermometers in each container? If so, what kind? I know the cheap needle type most pet stores sell are inaccurate.......

TIA!!
 
wildernessey said:
Also, which size width and why?
Click to expand...

I use 3" for my racks, adults to hatchlings. The larger sizes aren't necessary for smaller tubs.

wildernessey said:
Will I be able to wire the different shelves together if I place the tape on the shelf (in the back) as opposed to one piece running up and down the back wall?
Click to expand...

Yes.

wildernessey said:
Can I mix and match sizes of heat tape? Bigger on bottom smaller on top if I'm running it along the shelves? Would that be advisable?
Click to expand...

You could but you would probably have to use a different thermostat for the larger size. The 3" works well for small (6 quart) to larger (32 quart) tubs.

wildernessey said:
Also, what is the best method of measuring heat you've found? Individual thermometers in each container? If so, what kind? I know the cheap needle type most pet stores sell are inaccurate.......
Click to expand...

You'll need a thermostat for the heat tape (flex watt) which will regulate the temps for all the tape plugged into the thermostat.
 
Check With Cav

check the links for racks. CAV helped me with mine, and he has posted details in the forum. plus, sorry, gary, he is willing to talk you through it on the phone, in case you are a mechanically challenged snake mommy like myself. :)
 
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