Question: Unusual Heat Tape Placement for a tub setup

[artgecko]

Hello folks,

Due to a lack of space in my shared-purpose reptile room, I'm thinking that I will need to go with an individual tub setup for my first BP. The place I have to put the tub is the bottom shelf of a shelving unit similar (but smaller) to this one. The unit is metal but has unsealed wood chip-board shelves.

The shelf space for the tub would be similar to the footprint of a 20gl long tank.

That said, because I've never setup a tub and have never read of anyone doing so on a shelving unit like this, I have two questions for you guys.

1. Could I mount the heat tape or UTH onto the shelf instead of the tub (for easier cleaning of the tub)?

2. Would it hurt the setup (temps / stability wise) if part of the tub had to hang off the front edge of the shelf (i.e. if it is wider than the shelf it is sitting on)?

Thank you for your time and input

[Reptile Frenzy]

I think it will work just fine. I have actually seen people use those racks for snake racks and even the plastic storage shelves you get at lowes. The heat tape/ uth should be fine directly taped to the shelf. Make sure your heat tape/ uth is plugged into a reliable thermostat so you can control temps. Dont want a tub melting or causing a fire. We have built wood racks and used 28qt tubs and taped flexwatt heat tape directly to wood shelf and every shelf is wired in series together and plugged into a thermostat. Hope this helps

[SnowShredder]

I use a plastic shelving unit like reptile frenzy said. I tape the heat tape directly onto the shelf. Ideally there'd be a barrier so the tub doesn't rub the heat tape. I personally don't do that but I also constantly check my heat tapes wear and tear. And no it shouldn't hurt the temps/set up if it's slightly too big. How much it hangs over would affect the stability, if it feels anything less than extremely solid I wouldn't risk it. But if it hangs just a little I don't think that wouldn't really matter. Here's a couple pics of my set up

[artgecko]

Thank you so much for the replies! I could've sworn I replied to this thread yesterday... Guess the forum gremlin ate my post.

That said, I really appreciate your help. I will probably end up going with heat tape... I'll buy the tub, then measure to see how much I will need.

Snowshredder- What would I need to use over the heat tape to protect it from the sliding? Some sort of clear lightweight plastic I'm guessing..

Thanks again for your time and help!

[kylearmbar]

Stability will be fine if it's an inch or two, I would t if there was more. In a rack system its set up so the heat tape is mounted to the rack.