Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive found aluminum foil tape to be rather expensive..has anyone had a problem using duct tape or electrical tape to mount flaxwatt. I have heard these tapes can melt. The flexwatt will be using is 11" hooked up to a herpstat at 90 deg.

Thanks,

Mat

Flexwatt has a pretty wide "non heated" area of plastic to use for mounting. I have tried using duct tape, my problem with it wasn't melting, but that it wouldn't stick to smooth plastic well. Eventually, it would sag and fall off. I think foil tape has more rigidity... or duct tape's adhesive fails at higher temperatures.
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Lauren Madar - OphidiaGems.com | CageMakers
1.1 Ball Python, 1.0 Hog Island Boa, 1.1 Hypo BCI, 1.1 Surinam BCC, 1.1 Saharan Sand Boa

I agree, I had the same problems with duct tape. I finally got the aluminum foil tape and it works great. You do not have to tape the entire length, I just used a few pieces cut to 3" lengths along the entire strip here and there.
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'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow

I'd go with the aluminum foil tape. It's a bit more expensive, but it's worth it. Depending on what you're taping, you'll only have to do it once. It lasts longer and sticks better. When you're talking about taping in the heating element or temp prob it's the best one to use.

I agree with everyone on this thread. Aluminum tape is definitely the way to go. The tape also holds heat quite nice and will expand your heating area by a few inches. I used 11 inch flexwatt, but with the aluminum tape, I have over 15 inches of heating surface. I get my aluminum tape at work, so I'm not sure of the cost. But I would recommend using it.

John
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You know you're getting old when you make more noise getting up off the couch than you do during sex.

You can get aluminum tape at Wal-Mart for $6 a roll, which is about the same price as duct tape. That is what we used, and it works great!