Finished build and needing technical help

[Daigga]

So I've completed the build on my 7 slot adult rack, and I got my heating tape in today. Wired it all up including my dimmer switch (I have no fancy herpstat, boo). The problem I'm having is that slots 3 and 5 aren't getting hot. Visually, they look the same as all the working pieces, with the teeth of the clips attached as firmly as I could get them, and the wires pretty snug in place (or as snug as the wires in the working slots, in any case). This is my first time working with electrical anything, so I'm not sure what's going wrong here, if anyone could give me some advice?

Here are some pictures of my project from start to finish

Plans! I didn't deviate much, which I'm proud of.


Materials, build and wire. Not included is a sharp knife and an infrared thermometer.



Since we had used a jigsaw to do all the cuts, I had to be creative about making sure I was attaching the posts in the right spots so it would come out level.


Flipped! building from the top down upside down. I thought it would be a good idea to add a backstop in all the slots, though with the heating tape installed I have to admit shoving the tubs through too far seems unlikely. Ah well, doesn't hurt and I like the added security/ stability. Fun fact; the only deviation in the plans was me realizing the back stops had to be 18 inches, not 20.


Shelves in progress


Build complete!


Heating tape wired, taped down, and ready to go. minus small technical problems, of course... Didn't take too many WIP pictures of the tape, I was focused.


Advice on how to fix my lack of heat in 3 and 5 would be appreciated. I don't have any extra clips or insulators and the bean farm charges fairly outrageous shipping, so I won't be ordering spares until I'm ready to build either an incubator or juvenile rack.

[STjepkes]

Step 1: Get a Proportional Thermostat. That dimmer switch is a bad idea.

[Tigerhawk]

You should put casters, on the bottom legs of your rack. It will make your life so much easier. You will be glad you did,when it comes time to move your rack. For some reason.