Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just recently bought a new rack that came with heat cable. I always have used heat tape, thought i'd give the heat cable a try.

After my experience with it, i feel like pulling all my damn hair out!!! No overlaps, installed just right, and i've got temps ranging from 89 - 99, with a herpstat installed. it is just way too inconsistent!!!! some parts are cool and others hot!!!!!!! this is absolutely unacceptable for any herper, and i was just hoping others would post their opinions, and/or suggestions on this.

thanks,

Kevin Ivens
BCI Exotics.

Hey Kevin, I bought the mid size rack ...the one for the sweater boxes...well at first I thought the idea was great....but after building it.... my tubs ....which were the exact tubs they recommended had about a quarter inch gap between the top...so I had to leave the lids on the tubs in order to use the rack...I just do not trust my boas to not escape...lol...
I agree that the heat is not very well regulated...I have mine directly pluged in and because I have the lids on the tubs I can move the tub in the rack to a hotter position or a cooler position by sliding forward or backward. My boa room is heated and so cable does not get too hot and by the time it gets to the boas...I have the temps I want...but I really may change my heat setup. I had built a melamine rack and used the small under tank heaters on the shelf in the back and put them on dimmers...they work good and I may just buy 10 under tank heat pads and 10 dimmers...$200 bucks... to do the same here...but as for cost savings...what a joke. I even contacted them and told them my tubs had a quarter inch gap and they did not believe me...they were supposed to send me shorter plastic hieght tubes...and they just sent me a set of the same size again...I will try something else or just try building some more myself. That's just my opinion of the rack....for what it's worth. Andy
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Just thought I would mention...Some cables have a 6 foot lead, that stays cold, from the plug about the first 6 feet will not heat up...but the rest should...We have been using it with sucess...Just thought I would mention it...You probably already know..
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Amanda Kingsbury & David Kendrick
www.executivereptiles.com

If you want quality heating cables that heat up from the back to the front. Go to you local Plumber supplier and get those I have them, but they must be control by a thermostat. They work great.
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Joel Pretz

Sorry I forgot to mention they are a bit pricey.
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Joel Pretz

Thanks for the replies. I do know that there is a 6 foot cool lead.

I'm curious as to your success with it. What brand do you use?

Thanks,

Kevin Ivens
BCI exotics.

Where did you get it from?

Joe