Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just built my first rack. I was wondering to I lay the heat tape directly on the plywood or does something go between the 2? Also do I lay the tubs directly on top of the heat tape or should there be a small gap between tub and tape? Last question I hope my tub is 33 1/2" long so would a piece of heat tape 12" long be to much? THat would leave 21" cool side I guess?

>>I just built my first rack. I was wondering to I lay the heat tape directly on the plywood or does something go between the 2? Also do I lay the tubs directly on top of the heat tape or should there be a small gap between tub and tape? Last question I hope my tub is 33 1/2" long so would a piece of heat tape 12" long be to much? That would leave 21" cool side I guess?

It is ok to lay on the ply, however I always liked a gap between the tub and tape, I've actually burned holes in tubs that didn't have said gap.

Most commercially available tubs have a raised brim or feet that is sufficient, otherwise shimming the tub along the sides is a good alternative.

I also like to protect the tape from wear by using either aluminum foil tape or glass cloth tape (expensive). This prevents wearing through the plastic when sliding the tubs. If you use shims this isn't a problem.

I used 11" heat tape for my 41 qt tubs, which is about the same as what you mentioned. I found it worked better in an open rack in a heated room over an older enclosed rack I had. It was difficult to achieve proper heat and cool sides respectively in the enclosed rack. Although it was cheaper to heat.
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Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

0.0.2 Morelia Viridis
1.1 Morelia Clastolepis