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Flexwatt
- Thread starter ThorstenJ
- Start date
backafter30
New member
You could, but it wouldn't be very well protected or electrically insulated against spills. I am making my own "hot rocks" by sandwiching the heat tape between a couple of porcelain tiles sealed with silicone. This will be completely waterproof and transmit heat well. I'll probably use some aluminum tape on the bottom to help reflect the heat upwards, and of course a way to regulate the heat.
Assuming you meant "carpet", that product is generally not considered ideal, as it can be difficult to sanitize and keep clean, and many snakes just crawl underneath it. There are many threads discussing substrate.
Assuming you meant "carpet", that product is generally not considered ideal, as it can be difficult to sanitize and keep clean, and many snakes just crawl underneath it. There are many threads discussing substrate.
ThorstenJ
New member
do you mean a under the tank heater ??
backafter30
New member
Honestly, I haven't actually made these yet, but the cages they're going in are built, and I've pretty much got the details worked out. I'm going to place the tiles back-to-back, with the smooth side out (so they're easy to clean), and the heat tape in between. There really won't be any space between them, except to accommodate a bead of silicone around the edges for sealing, and a blob of epoxy to prevent any issues with the cord getting tugged on. Keep in mind that this is only for those who are familiar with wiring/soldering/insulating their own heat tape. Maybe not the best project for the first-timer. You could kill your snake or even burn your house down if it isn't done correctly, but you asked about the heat tape specifically. It could be easier/safer to do as Nanci suggested and just use an UTH (maybe without sticking it down - they're really not moveable). Oh, also, make sure that wood is sealed well!
ThorstenJ
New member
i like to build this this week and i like to know if this is ok to put the UTH direct on to the wood
smigon
Old enough to know better
Not without a thermostat to regulate the temps and the tile sealed around it. That is the most important part.
daddio207
THUG FROG !
In home made Viv's It's much easier and safer to add a radiant heat panel to the ceiling.
The 28 watt would probably be enough. Mount it to one end on the ceiling. You might have to add ventilation to the COOL end to let some of the trapped heat escape.
It's really all about ambient heat and having the proper heat gradient.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
I would shy away from "homemade" UTH's and go with Nanci's suggestion since they are sealed units.
If you want to continue with the flexwatt then research proper use. If you are going to "sandwich" it then it MUST be Flexwatt !! Flexwatt was born from ambient floor applications and is designed to work "sandwiched".
http://www.calorique.com/
THG heat tape is NOT designed to be used "sandwiched". Even they state; "Never use element on carpeting or other similar surface, even with a thermostat! There must always be at least a small (1/8" or more) air gap on at least one side of the element. An unsafe buildup of heat can occur causing pre mature product failure. Avoid using element under layers of material more than 1/2" thick including cage substrate. "
http://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape
Have fun with your project and be safe !
The 28 watt would probably be enough. Mount it to one end on the ceiling. You might have to add ventilation to the COOL end to let some of the trapped heat escape.
It's really all about ambient heat and having the proper heat gradient.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
I would shy away from "homemade" UTH's and go with Nanci's suggestion since they are sealed units.
If you want to continue with the flexwatt then research proper use. If you are going to "sandwich" it then it MUST be Flexwatt !! Flexwatt was born from ambient floor applications and is designed to work "sandwiched".
http://www.calorique.com/
THG heat tape is NOT designed to be used "sandwiched". Even they state; "Never use element on carpeting or other similar surface, even with a thermostat! There must always be at least a small (1/8" or more) air gap on at least one side of the element. An unsafe buildup of heat can occur causing pre mature product failure. Avoid using element under layers of material more than 1/2" thick including cage substrate. "
http://www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape
Have fun with your project and be safe !