>>I like the idea of routing a groove but with the 1/2" diameter I'm afraid you'll affect the integrity of the floor.
>>
>>I think you should just set it up and try it. Set the cages up on some cleats and see how well the heat transmits through.
>>
>>If you don't like the performance then there are other options. My favorite is to cut a large rectangle out of the floor of the cage. Cover the rectangle with Sintra, linoleum, or FRP and then attach the heat cable to the underside of the floor. Makes the cage more durable and easy to clean as well as providing a safety air space for the heat source.

Chris,

It's 1/2" wide and only 1/8" thick, more of a flat oval shape (actually it's the same shape as regular three conductor home wiring, or romex).

The air gap is no problem, the bottom cage sits on a base that has wheels and no top to it, the cage sits on the two end supports and the middle brace and the rest of the base is wide open (when viewed from above), and each of the other three cages the rope would mount to the roof of the cage and have 12 inches of airspace under it (the cage below).

I'll give it a whirl and see what happens.
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"Colubrid-aphilia", adj; An inordinate love of Colubrids.

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