Reptile & Amphibian Forums

to whom it may concern,
iam constructing a cabinet and am in need of the best quality heat tape. maybe at discount prices... i have seen one that had a black rubber like caseing " T-REX" ans ive seen a clear plastic sheet with filaments inside of it, i cant remember the name...what are the best "brands" for heat tape for my ball pythons. what do you guys use for your racks?
this week we are construting the cabinet its self, so we need help.
will it be safe if i put one of these heat pads directly on top of one shelf (lamenated particle board) and then rubber maid bin on top of that?
thank you for your adice and opinions
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Under a dead ohio sky,
Eleven has been and will be waiting,
Defending his light,
And wondering...
Where the hell have I been?
Sleeping, lost, and numb.
So glad that I have found you.
I am wide awake and heading home.
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Shoot me an email and I will fill you in.
reptilebasics@triad.rr.com
Reptile Basics Inc

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Rich Goldzung
Reptile Basics Inc
www.reptilebasics.com

Big Apple Herps. has the 11 inch. stuff for like $3 a foot. They also carry the heat cord, which I haven't used but have heard good things about.

I hot glue (high temp. glue) gun a double layer of the heavy duty aluminum foil down to the wood where the heat tape will go. This protects the surface and reflects the heat outward.

It seems to work well.

Alan

This works fine, but another option is to buy foil tape (not duct tape) from Lowe's or Home Depot. They sell an aluminum tape in the HVAC section.

I haven't used foil tape. I've seen it pictured on the Big Apple web site, however, I thought it was more to adhere the heat tape to something and not to cover the surface below. Thats why I choose to go with heavy duty aluminum foil and a hot glue gun. I can cover the whole surface below and have the heat radiated back out? Can foil tape accomplish this also? Maybe I will pick some up and try it out.

Thanks,

Alan

The foil tape can be purchased in all sizes, but you will probably only find it the same size as duct tape at a home improvement center for do-it-yourselfers. Works great for the 3" flex watt. You can get larger sheets, but will probably have to go through a HVAC contractor to order it.

I like to put wood furring stripes down on either side of the heat tape. They are very thin so you still get good heat transfer without wearing the heat tape out when you pull the bin in and out.

Good luck!

Alan

okay good ideas thank you! i will give it a try and i have apple herps saved as one of my favorites and i will check that out.
reptilebasics i emailed you,
thanks again
-----
Under a dead ohio sky,
Eleven has been and will be waiting,
Defending his light,
And wondering...
Where the hell have I been?
Sleeping, lost, and numb.
So glad that I have found you.
I am wide awake and heading home.
TOOL