well, it's time for me to build a rack system for my kids. i've been planning to for a while now, and i figure it's a good time since i'm moving, and there's no way i'm hauling that 55 gallon aquarium up multiple flights of stairs. i think i have my building plan set, but i still have a few questions.

i want the tub off the flexwatt both to allow a bit of airflow and so that the tub doesn't slide across the flexwatt, so i'm going to put a couple of risers in so that the tub is elevated just a bit. is a quarter inch enough, or should it be a bit more?

next, what is the foil tape used for? could i not use electrical tape to secure the flexwatt?

will the flexwatt maintain air temps in the sterilite tubs with the lid on? proper air flow will be added thru holes in the sides.

and how should i go about lighting a rack? i've thought about a flourescent tube-style light behind the rack. would ambient light be enough?

and finally, i'm planning on wiring my flexwatts in a series (i.e. plug-flexwatt-cord-flexwatt etc). should i solder both cords to the same side of the flexwatt, or one at each end?

hopefully someone has some answers to these questions. i'll be building at the end of the week, and any help will be appreciated. thanks.