Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey folks.
After doing a bit of research, I think I've made the decision to use heat tape on my new Vision cages (model V211). It seems to be the easiest and most cost effective way to do it. I suppose I'm just looking for input here.
I've got four Visions stacked vertically and I plan on using 4" tape in one foot sections beneath the cages (and therefore between) and all linked to a proportional thermostat. My main concerns are about thermal blockage. As long as I have them controlled by the tstat, should I anticipate any problems? Also, do you prefer putting the temp probe outside the cage itself, connected to the tape, or inside at the warmest point? And is just placing the tape o.k., or is it better to use foil tape to actually connect the stuff to the cage?
All opinions are appreciated.
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-Paul

>> As long as I have them controlled by the [proportional thermostat], should I anticipate any problems?

Nope. That will work fine. Just be aware that the temperatures in the lowest cage will be a little lower than those in the topmost one.

>> do you prefer putting the temp probe outside the cage itself, connected to the tape, or inside at the warmest point?

I prefer putting the probe as close as possible to where the animal will actually be contacting the heat source since that is what I’m really concerned about. So for a UTH, I normally tape down the probe on the inside floor of a cage over the UTH.

>>is just placing the tape o.k., or is it better to use foil tape to actually connect the stuff to the cage?

I use a few strips of gaffers tape to keep the UTH from shifting around. So I tape the first one to the floor or shelf where the first cage in the stack goes, then tape the next UTH to the top of the first cage, and so on. I like gaffers tape because it leaves no residue when removed. But it doesn’t do a good job of adhering for other than horizontal applications like this.

-Joan

Thanks for the feedback.
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-Paul