Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What all do I need to buy to set up flexwatt, I will have 2 pieces, a smaller piece (3'-4') and a larger piece (6'-7') and I am buying the cord from The Bean Farm. Do I need to buy wires too? (that is the impression Igot from the description on TBF) And here is the question you have heard a million and a 1/2 times ... How do I wire it all up? I remember seeing a diagram, but cant seem to find it in the archives.
-----
~~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~

I ordered my tape from Bean Farm. They are very helpfull and include a diagram, even with pictures for those of us--me--that needed them!

Yes, I have heard that they are really pleasant to do business with, but do I need to buy more than the flexwatt and cord ( extra wires, clips, ect...)?
-----
~~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~

No, you don't need any extra wires if your getting the cord from bean farm. I *think* bean farms cord comes with one set of clips, so all you should need is a simple dimmer you can get at the hardware store.

I put mine on wheels and wanted an electrical connection that could stand up to some movement of the rack. I ran two strips of tape up the back of the rack. I used an extension cord as the cord, I just cut off the female end of the cord. I used liquid electrical tape on the connections, but was not pleased with that, so I also capped all the connections with regular electrical tape. (Check and make sure clips come with your cord or go get some electrical tape) Then I spliced the dimmer in the line and plugged each length of tape into the thermostat. I set the thermostat probe actually ON one of the strips of heat tape. If they tape itself exceeds 95-97F the thermostat shuts off both strips until the temp drops some.

Does that answer your question?

I think I get what you are saying. I will be using 2 different sizes of heat tape in a L shape, I am getting the cord from the bean farm, and am not sure what the clips do as I have (obviously) never worked with heat tape (usually UTH and heat bulbs). I just want to make sure I have everything before I order. so if I bought my length of heat tape and cut it so I can make the L shape how would I connect the two pieces so that they can be hooked up to the same thermostat? I will most likely be using a HELIX to controll it. I am just a little new to this whole thing, I am a designer/decorator with a LOT of imagination, but I am NO electrician LOL! Thanks for all the help by the way!
-----
~~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~

I could tell you how to do that, but I'm not sure I could describe it well (Bad decorator, but I may be the only housewife who took electricity and carpentry in college!)

Your easiest bet is going to be to wire the two strips seperatly. So order TWO cords and clip sets. I imagine the helix will have an adapter (or you could pick one up at home depot) so you can plug in TWO srips rather than just one. This will give you the added advantage of being able to control the strips seperatly (I did that on purpose on mine) if you ever need too.

Good luck

LOL Thanks! Carpentry I can do, but electricity is just not my thing. I can do alot of things and being 17 (18 in september) I am already starting 2 buisnesses of my own and helping my boyfriend start his also, but I can't wire up heat tape LOL. I still have a LOT to learn, this is one of the few. Thanks againfor all of the info!
-----
~~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~

This should have everything you need to know...
http://arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.html

WOW! Pictures, now that helps!!!!! Why is it that there isn't more female herpers??? We aren't all just beach bunnies, I happen to think the beach AND bunnys are for the gators!! LOL Thank you so much!
-----
~~~ Krystal - Future breeder of Pythons, Geckos, we'll see what else later! Specalizing in Ball Pythons and Leopard Geckos ~~~ www.geocities.com/krystal19_85 ~~~