Heat tape question. Living room rack.

[whispersinmyhead]

I am planning a small closed rack with belly heat. I would like to try breeding to see if we enjoy it as a family.

I want 4-5 41qt tubs sideways and I also want 8 6qt (2 rows of 4) tubs standard configuration.

I plan in using hides for juvies in larger tubs or I will use 28qt as they grow but the shelf will take up 41qt so it will be more flexible.

My 41 qt shelves will have heat tape on one side and the 6qt rows will have the heat along the back.

Originally I was going to use 11-12" heat tape but that wouldn't allow the hatchling tubs. So my question is this: Can I use two rows of 6" tape on the big tubs and one row on small tubs? Every section will be cut exactly the same size so I can have it all on one tstat.

I guess if I used the 11-12" heat tape I could just build a stopper so hatchling tubs only get a third of the bottom covered with heat tape.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Kodieh]

You can run both kinds and invest in a second thermostat to control the different width flexwatt.

Sent from my SAMSUNG Galaxy SIII using Tapatalk 2

[whispersinmyhead]

I am trying to run everything off of one tstat (already own a herpstat1) to save a little coin if I can. That is why if I stuck with all one size it should all be running at the same temp.

My other thought was to run all 11"-12" and just put a stopper so the hatchling tubs only get 1/3 covered by heat tape. The uncovered heat tapestry just help the ambients a touch in this closed rack with a front door.

[carlson]

I just built a 41 q rack it's not a side ways one but I use two rows of 3 inch tape three inches from back it's working nice an i could put smaller tubs in it if I wanted but these four girls will stay in it.

[whispersinmyhead]

I just realized I can't get the 6" heat tape in Canada. Only 4" or 11-12". I have some more planning to do.

I don't know that 4" is going to be enough for the 41qt tubs. I will be keeping this in a living room that is 68-70f. That is why it will be a closed rack with doors. I will have some ventilation of course.

It has been suggested by some on a similar position that I need 11".