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Someone else posted a similar idea that led me to do the same. I got a 1 foot section of 11 inch heat tape ($2.50), 9' cheapo extention cord ($1.15), 4 terra cotta ceramic tiles ($3.00), dimmer switch ($2.25), and liquid electric tape. Cut the female plug end off of extention cord split wires strip insulation off about 1/2", use an exacto knife to gently cut away the plastic on one side of the conductor on the heat tape on both sides, solder wires from extention cord to heat tape, cut 1 wire of extention cord about half way down, connect dimmer switch, liquid electric tape on all exposed connections (multiple coats) water proof connections. use sand paper and smooth ALL rough or sharp edges of tiles, place new heat mat inside cage and set tiles on top of it. The tiles absorb and relaese the heat that hte heating pad releases (less or no hot spots) and allows air to circulate over the surface of the heat tape.
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where did you get 11" heattape for $2.50? The best price I have found is $3.50.

I get it from a local guy here at the Kentucky reptile expo, he has a dealers account directly with the manufacturer (not flexawatt) I cannot remember the brand (starts with a Q I think) but it looks like nicer stuff thicker plastic.

Sorry, but I don't like the idea of heat tape inside a cage, especially when the electrical connections are also in the cage. (I have used heat tape inside, but I laminated it with 1/16" plexiglass, made the connections outside the cage, and limited the heat output with a rheostat.) Even though you are sanding the tile, it's still likely to wear through the thin plastic covering of the heat tape, especially when you consider the weight of a boa. Also, what if the boa is able to wrap or push on the electrical cord? The heat tape will tear quite easily at the point of the electrical connection. Because of the large amounts of liquid urates excreted by boas (not to mentioned tipped over water dishes), you run a good chance of electrocuting your boas, or even yourself. I do not think I'm being overly paranoid, I have heard of several cases of people electrocuting their boas by placing heat tape inside the cage. Please don't get me wrong, I think that heat tape is a wonderful thing. However, good judgement is essential, many collections and homes have been lost due to heat tape fiascos.

some felt pads on the bottom of the tiles. as far as the heat tape tearing, I put several layers of liquid electrical tape at each connection (I believe that the heat tape its self would tare before the connections). I believe that the connections are all water tight, very well sealed.

>>Someone else posted a similar idea that led me to do the same. I got a 1 foot section of 11 inch heat tape ($2.50), 9' cheapo extention cord ($1.15), 4 terra cotta ceramic tiles ($3.00), dimmer switch ($2.25), and liquid electric tape. Cut the female plug end off of extention cord split wires strip insulation off about 1/2", use an exacto knife to gently cut away the plastic on one side of the conductor on the heat tape on both sides, solder wires from extention cord to heat tape, cut 1 wire of extention cord about half way down, connect dimmer switch, liquid electric tape on all exposed connections (multiple coats) water proof connections. use sand paper and smooth ALL rough or sharp edges of tiles, place new heat mat inside cage and set tiles on top of it. The tiles absorb and relaese the heat that hte heating pad releases (less or no hot spots) and allows air to circulate over the surface of the heat tape.
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