First off, like Tim and Jeff said, you have to have a solid back with the rubbermaid butted up against the heat tape. I run dozens of racks this way with no problem. I have my thermostat turned down and I still reach high temps.



The other problem might be your room size. If you are depending soley on the heat tape to heat the room and you have just a few racks, then you are defeating the purpose. I would suggest using an oil filled heater to heat the room (82-84 F)and allow the heat tape to concentrate on one job only...heating the rack.



In addition I have had several people e-mail me or display pictures of my rack that they built with modifications. Instead of having a solid side wall they have run two braces up the sides allowing for the rack to be wide open and exposed, therefore allowing all the heat to escape before it has a chance to build up. The original design has a purpose and intent with the solid side walls. It hold the heat and creates a deep dark cavity in which the snakes can hide. I do not have one hide box in use in any of my racks as a result.



I have been using this design for 3 years now with tremendous success. Sorry for your problems, but hopefully a few modifications will correct them.



Can you please post a pic?



MJ
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