If I remember right most heat tape gets around 12 to 15 degrees over the ambient temperature. I think the Flexwatt 3' was a little higher. The trick is to keep the heat tape contained to an extent so it raises the ambient temperature around it and allows it to heat up more. You don't want to completely smother the heat tape, allow some airflow but not have it completely out in the open.

In my rack systems I have 3" and 4" heat tape running along the back. When the boxes are pushed in there is not a lot of air flow in the back so it raises the temperate nicely without getting too hot. With all my cages I use the heat tape underneith and leave about 3/16" to 1/4" gap between the heat tape and the bottom of the cage, this allows it to get some airflow but not too much.

Hope this helps,
George

[ Show Entire Thread ]