Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it ok to fold flexwatt? I'd like to run a 3" strip, fold it over and run it back to create a 6" heating strip. 11" is too wide. 4" too narrow.

I suppose I could cut it, run a second strip and wire the ends together, but it would be simpler just to fold it.

Other random questions:

-Is flexwatt effected at all by current polarity?
-Does it emit heat equally from both sides (top and bottom) or just from the top?
-Is efficieny increased by laying it over a heat reflective surface?

Thanks,

NO NO NO NEVER !!! folding heat tape together is asking mr. fire to come to your house.

Folds are not recommended. For what you describe, wire both pieces instead.

Answers to your other questions:
1. Flexwatt is not affected by polarity.
2. Heat is the same on both sides.
3. It is best used under a heat-conductive surface to help spread the heat and help reduce a hot-spot-surrounded-by-cold-floor syndrome. A piece of sheet metal works wonders, and gives you more of a gradient. Some materials like expanded PVC have a similar though much reduced effect. Another thought is to elevate the cage about 1/4" or so, and lay the heater on an insulating surface. This way, the air between the cage and heater helps reduce the magnitude of the hot spot, and the thin layer of heated air helps provide a bit more of a gradient. Ultimately, you'll have to try and see what works for you.

The best Flexwatt for heating cages is the low-wattage stuff sold by Boaphile, but it is too wide for most colubrid cages. Freedom Breeder takes regular old 3"-wide Flexwatt and puts it in a sandwich of sheet metal to provide a less-intense but effective heater.

Wow. Thanks.

This is what I've done. On a wooden shelf, put down aluminum tape underneath the flexwatt, then taped the flexwatt on top of the aluminum. The aluminum, I hope, will reflect the heat upwards and prevent hot spots.

The cage goes onto the shelf over the heat tape. It sits on little rubber feet that keep it 1/4" - 3/8" off the tape.

The tape is wired to a dimmer. It's giving off surface heat of about 98 degrees. The cage bottom is heated to about 83 degrees--right where I want it.

Last thing to do is run a second 3" strip back.

Any thoughts? It's greatly appreciated!

BTW: This is weird. Where the tape is wired and clipped it's about 5 degreese hotter than the rest of the run (about 3') where it sits on the aluminum. I'm guessing that's because the aluminum is spreading the heat where the flexwatt contacts it. If so, then maybe I don't need a second 3" strip after all?

If it is working for you, then great. Aluminum tape is thin. Home Depot for example sells aluminum roof flashing that comes in rolls of various widths. That stuff is even more effective, if you want to try it. But, it seems that your setup is doing the job so no need to change anything.