Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I've owned reptiles for several years now, but I'm just now getting to the point where I own enough reptiles to warrant exploring more cost-effective husbandry techniques.

I've read references to "heat tape" that is available at hardware stores and is used in place of commerically available undertank heaters.

Is this the same as heat cables used to warm cold pipes? If so, how is it modified to heat tank bottoms? If not, what is the conventional use for the "heat tape" and where can I find it?

Thank you!

The "Heat Tape" you are refering to is commonly Commercially used to heat tile Bathroom floors. "Heat Cable" for Snake Racks is not the same as what is used to heat pipes to my understanding. I use "Flex Watt" or "Mylar" brands of heat tape to heat my baby snake & gecko racks; both come in 3"/4"/12" widths which can be cut in 12" increments. Purchase of "Flex Watt" or "Mylar" heat tape can be made at Reptile Show, Swaps, Reptile Shops, and through Kingsnake Classifieds "Supplies" section. Companies like: The Bean Farm, Custom Cages, Big Apple, ProExotics (which has the heat cable), and others listed. All the Supply Companies on Kingsnake have knowledgable staff on these products>use/installation/safety/information before and after sale. I listed the few Companies above which I have dealt with and have had good results with, note there are others but I have purchased other products form them. Like yourself, I have an extensive Collection to care for and utilize the best Technology available.
Note: special Foil Tape is used to attach heat tape, it is heat resistant to the heat tape/holds it in place. I suggest contacting some of the Suppliers and discussing your needs with them, costs, and wether Heat Tape or Cable is right for you. This is a very general answer to your question as you need to discuss the hard questions with retailers who know these products and types of Reptiles you have for which Product is best for you and Species you have.

Just noticed Post below about use Qs & As on Heat Tape from www.mgreptiles.com. The site has good referance of use information and also offers these products. Contact the Company and look through the site, I believe much more information you want will be found there.

Hello,
Just shoot me an email if you need any help with wiring skimatics or anything.. It is really easy to use, it is just that first time you not really sure how to use it.. Thanks for the ref serp..
-matt
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

I recently used this product for the first time. It is by far cheaper than the commercialy availiable heat pads. I've got a 6 tub rack 6'h,3'w,2'd. The tubs i'm using all have feet on them so i've got good air circulation. This space also allows me to slide the tubs in and out without the problem of wearing through the heat tape. The only concern i have is making the connections without the crimping tool, if one can buy it pre-connected that would be worth the extra cost.I've done some wiring over the years and it was still difficult to get the connection tight. Its wired and conducting, but i'm sure they would be alot tighter with that crimp tool. I'm happy with the product, and as long as those using the product follow the guide lines for safe use i think the product is hard to beat. I think the problems associated with failure of the product is do to misuse. I run the tape under the tub as well as up the back of the tub, this way the tape doesn't have to struggle to get the temps to the programmed setting. i feel this is an important point, once the thermostat kicks in my heat tape stays under a 100 degrees and it cycles on and off briefly vs. cycling on for extended periods of time. Those who read this i hope you take something from it as it was alot of typing, but if you follow what i have researched and learned you will be happy with of heat tape works for you as well. Clint

I personally solder my connections. That gives it a good solid and complete connection to the leads. I too have had problems with the clip sets is why I do it this way now...
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

The heat tape or heat cable available at Hardware stores comes in two generaly varieties. One to warm water pipes, the other for radiant floor heat. They are not the same.

Probably best to order actual heat tape from a reptile supplier or use the new heat cables designed for herpetological use.

>>Hello,
>>
>>I've owned reptiles for several years now, but I'm just now getting to the point where I own enough reptiles to warrant exploring more cost-effective husbandry techniques.
>>
>>I've read references to "heat tape" that is available at hardware stores and is used in place of commerically available undertank heaters.
>>
>>Is this the same as heat cables used to warm cold pipes? If so, how is it modified to heat tank bottoms? If not, what is the conventional use for the "heat tape" and where can I find it?
>>
>>Thank you!
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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)

Be careful of the Zoo med stuff.. I have had customer calling in to buy flexwatt because the heat rope they bought at the pet store is not heating correctly....Just my 1.5 cents..
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies

Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your thoughtful and timely answers to my questions! I really appreciate the effort, and your advice was very thorough and helpful!

These forums sure are an excellent resource for herpers!

-Carrisa