Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am considering building a set of cages for my hondo's. My question is about the heat tape. I plan on using 3/4 inch MDF board with contact paper on the inside. An idea i had was on the bottom piece route out a section big enough for the 11 inch heat flexwatt. then to cover it up put a piece of expanded plastic, the same color of the inside, to cover the flexwatt up then. Is this a good idea or would that trap the heat in to much and be a fire hazard? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Cody

I am not sure what "MDF"? board is but my experience with "Flex Watt" and "Mylar" heat tapes has been never to cover them up or put them into a slot as it builds up HEAT and the strong possiblity of causing HOT SPOTS on the tape itself. I use Melamine and Vision Cages which have either "Flex Watt or Mylar" heat tape attached underneath with the Foil Tape. This tape attaches the heat tape and is heat resistant. With my Cage Stacks I place either 2 x 4s or 2 x 2s depending on sizes to creat a air flow between the stacked cages, allows for wiring to easily be routed, prevents heat build up which can cause belly burns due to hot spots due to multiple heating sourcing (spot lights & heat tape rising to upper level. What does the "MDF" boad supplier suggest as far as use with heat tape? Please let me know as I have never used this material.

This is exactly what I recommend. Simply cut a hole out of the floor that is 2" wider and 2" longer than the piece of heat tape you'll be using. Make sure this hole is at least 2" or the depth of your screws/nails away from any edge of the cage.

Also route shallow grooves for the cord.

Tape the heating element from underneath using the appropriate aluminum tape and you have effectively created a 3/4" tall air space for your flexwatt.

Use 1/8" or 1/4" expanded PVC. I'd probably use 1/4".

This will actually reduce the fire hazzard compared to many other ways flexwatt is used.

>>I am considering building a set of cages for my hondo's. My question is about the heat tape. I plan on using 3/4 inch MDF board with contact paper on the inside. An idea i had was on the bottom piece route out a section big enough for the 11 inch heat flexwatt. then to cover it up put a piece of expanded plastic, the same color of the inside, to cover the flexwatt up then. Is this a good idea or would that trap the heat in to much and be a fire hazard? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>thanks in advance
>>
>>Cody
-----
Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

MDF I think is short for Medium Density Fiberboard. but im not sure so dont hold me to that. Thanks for the reply. Chris, would i attach the heat tape to the foil tape then directly to the PVC? I think that is what you were saying. If i stacked 5 or 6 of these on top of each should i put a spacer in between the tops and bottoms of each cage or directly on top?

thanks again

cody

>>MDF I think is short for Medium Density Fiberboard. but im not sure so dont hold me to that.

That is correct.

>>Chris, would i attach the heat tape to the foil tape then directly to the PVC?

Yes, the foil tape would be used to attach the heating element directly to the underside of the PVC floor.

>>If i stacked 5 or 6 of these on top of each should i put a spacer in between the tops and bottoms of each cage or directly on top?

I believe having the cages directly on top of each other would be fine. However, I'm sure that the use of spacers would technically be safer.

A compromise of sorts is take make the grooves for the cords deeper and wider than necessary. Since your using 3/4" melamine maybe 3/8" x 3/8". If you go that route maybe place the heated area about 3" from the back so the heat does not have far to vent and you're not weakening the floor too much.

Make sense?

-----
Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

Yes it does make sense. After i had posted that last question i thought about putting spacers btwn cages. When i do build these cages i will use spacers. If i cut the bottom of the cage out completely for the heat tape then i could just drop the cord down from there correct? i think that is what im going to do. I also think im gonna make just one of these units first to see how accurate i can keep the heat and humidity. Another question for ya. To light these units i plan on having the top back section angled a little to have a flouresant (sp) light. This will also work as a vent for air circulation. is this a good idea or do you maybe have a better?

thanks
Cody

>>If i cut the bottom of the cage out completely for the heat tape then i could just drop the cord down from there correct?

With the spacers you won't have to worry about the cage resting directly on the cords, so yes, they can run out from there.

>>To light these units i plan on having the top back section angled a little to have a flouresant (sp) light. This will also work as a vent for air circulation. is this a good idea or do you maybe have a better?

I think that will be fine. What species is this for again?
-----
Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

This setup will be for Hondo's. I know they dont need any sort of light as long as the cage is heated but i like to watch and view my snakes. Thats y i am not goign with a rack, but i am using a small rack 4 my babies right now. thanks for all the help.

Cody