Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have heard people talking about using rope light as a heating element. Is this cheaper than flexwatt? How are people using it?
Anyone have pictures of it set up?

Thanks
Jake

The two ways I've seen it used are 1) routed thru racks behind the boxes and 2) routed through holes drilled in Boaphile cages.

I don't know how one would compare cost of these two products. I suppose you'd have to do a comparison via heat production which is very difficult, especially when you consider that flexwatt is rarely run full-bore.

Certainly rope light is cheaper per foot, but if you need to run several loops to achieve the same heat I don't know at what point it's cost approaches heat tape.

If you're considering rope light look at wattage per foot. Buy the higher power stuff and dim it if it's too much.

It is the only heat/light I use for my colubrids.During the summer months FULL has been a little much so I wired in a dimmer and now my racks are doing great! Rope light is simple and cheaper than flexwatt and when the lights burn out they STILL heat so heat failure isnt a problem.I really like the idea of a water resistant electrical devices as well.SAFER.Jeff

I used it to help light my snakes home but it seemed like it was starting to melt. It was white light but in the spots where it was curved, it turned like blood red adn got really hot so yea I dont know if its the best way to go.