Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am getting ready to build a rack system for my leopard geckos. The rack will hold 24 16 qt. sterilite containers.
Questions

1) what is the prefered size heat tape to use 3" or 4", the 3" is 10 watts the 4" is 8 watts.

2) what is the max temp that the flex tape gets up to( both 3 and 4"?

3)I am getting a Helix proportinal thermostat and the total feet it will be running in the rack is 29', is that addaquite?

4) the rack will be made of melameen with a grove routed out for the flex watt is this safe?

Thank You All in advance for your expertice!
Bill
One other thing sorry for the spelling errors never was very good at it!!!!
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Leos
1.0 Blizzard "Mr.Freeze"
1.0 SHCT Baldy "Thor"
0.1 Bell Albino "Pinky"
0.1 Tremper Albino "Betty"
0.1 SHCT Baldy "Lemon"
0.1 Hypo Tang "Sherbert"
0.1 Hypo Golden "Dott"
0.2 juveniles " Spot & White Stripe"

Boas
0.1 Nicaraguan "Peaches"

Domestic Livestock

0.1 WIFE "PAM"
0.2 Daughters "Haleigh & Chloe"

Canines
1.0 Beagle "Chance"
0.1 Pit rodesian ridgeback mix "Missy"

Just my opinion, I would go with the 3" and the helix your buying will handle that with no problems.. As far as temps go flexwatt can acheive temp of 150 degrees if left unchecked.. I would also suggest using foil tape over the flex as a shield.. The majority of people that buy from me and are building a rack will use the 3" for belly heat in a large tub or back heat in smaller tubs. You could also use 11" for back heat.. On the thermostat helix is a great unit and has alot of rave reviews, but there are other options for you to consider as well.. Hope this helps,
-Matt Graybeal
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies