Flexwatt Question

I just built my first rack. I was wondering to I lay the heat tape directly on the plywood or does something go between the 2? Also do I lay the tubs directly on top of the heat tape or should there be a small gap between tub and tape? Last question I hope my tub is 33 1/2" long so would a piece of heat tape 12" long be to much? THat would leave 21" cool side I guess?

I'm not an expert on wood racks but I think 1 or 2 stripes of 3" would be best. I also would recommend a small gap between the tub and flexwatt so the tub doesn't rub it when being pulled out and in.

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Originally Posted by Agent73

I'm not an expert on wood racks but I think 1 or 2 stripes of 3" would be best. I also would recommend a small gap between the tub and flexwatt so the tub doesn't rub it when being pulled out and in.

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Per the manufacturer's recommendation:

(1) Provide heat control (thermostat or other device).

(2) Any covering material must have an R value of less than 11. R value is a material's resistance to heat flow. Wood (at thicknesses usually used in reptile habitat applications) has a fairly low R value, as do many tub and PVC components that are less than 1/2" in thickness.

The problem arises when people use reflectix under flexwatt applications, or when the flexwatt is sandwiched between a shelf, a tub and then the substrate in the tub .......and then controlled only with a rheostat. A rheostat will not properly regulate the manufacturer's recommended 95 degree surface temperature.

(3) Flexwatt is not designed to resist regular rubbing or chafing. Either covering the tape with a material with an R value of less than 11 or providing a recessed installation is therefore necessary.

here a trick I worked on. ( so far it works great) run a bead of liquid nail on both sides of the flexwatt ( on the wood) this will act as 2 things a spacer and a guard for the flex so it not rubbed. It will just take about a day or 2 to fully dry and once does workes great( the bead can be as about 1/8 in and let proper air flow too.)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mechnut450

here a trick I worked on. ( so far it works great) run a bead of liquid nail on both sides of the flexwatt ( on the wood) this will act as 2 things a spacer and a guard for the flex so it not rubbed. It will just take about a day or 2 to fully dry and once does workes great( the bead can be as about 1/8 in and let proper air flow too.)

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Can you take a pic of this so I can get a visual?? Thanks!