Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm getting in a new 6' cage, and I'm using heat tape on this one. I've actually never used it before and I need to make sure I do everything right with it, because I have seen accidental "meltings" from this stuff. Alright so lets start this off, I'm stacking my 6' cage on top of my two 8' cages first off. The 8' cage has a light on the top of it, which heats up the top of the cage pretty good, so even if I stack it on there, it might get some heat already. I'm not about to burn this snakes belly so, this is where the help comes in. For the conda in the top cage, I put it's waterbowl over the heat coming from the bottom cage, which keeps it's water at a perfect temperature, cool I will probably end up doing this for the 6' cage also. BUT How do you go about installing the heat tape, can you set the temp (I don't see any way how..), how do you manage temperatures with it, what is a good temperature it should produce, should it go on the back of the cage instead of the bottom (how to you install), please, I'm just looking for some help so I don't end up harming the snake or cage in anyway! I know those are a lot of questions, but hey, I care!
~Ben R.

I would not reccomend using the heat tape for large cages, as that is what I did with mine. It is in my opinion the most hazardous heating device, simply because it can easily over heat, it's not waterproof at all. It has spots on it which are wamrer than others, makign it harder to achieve proper temperature. If you do, I recommend a dimmer switch. I am in th process of changing mine out for some heat cable. I blive this tuff to be great. It is waterproof and gives off even heat and you can put it where you want. You can get it in several sizes up to 39 feet. I have one done and I am now letting the linoleum glue stuff dry and for the fumes and stuff to clear out before putting in the snake. Then I will start on the other one. Oh, and with the cable you can make the heat spread eve better with either soem foil or foil tpae put ove it. You could also use one of those heat panels.
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Justin

I have a similar setup...3 visions stacked up on each other. Retics and Anacondas in them too...I use a 4 foot piece of tape on a six foot cage. I put the tape on a piece of plywood and attach it with Foil Tape (get it at Home Depot for about $8) on the edges for the entire length. I also have it set up on a thermostat. ( I use several different kinds). All work pretty much the same. Just make sure you are aware of the WATTAGE capacity of the device. Don't overload it!! This is where a lot of fires start. Also check the WATTAGE of the heat tape you are using. Once you get it hooked up, set a thermometer up on the bottom of the cage to check the temps, and just keep adjusting the thermostat until you get the temp you want. But start low and go up slowly with the temp since these can get pretty hot (130 degrees). A temp gun works best since you can check multiple spots all at once. They are only $25 from Pro Exotics and worth every penny. If you need anymore help, let me know. Take care.
Dewey