Heating for a rack..

Hi im going to build a rack. what is the best heat to use should i use zoo med 50 watt heat rope or heat tape....and if i use heat tape should i use 3in or 12in....im going to make 5 shelves that will hold 41qts and 15qts...please help..thanks for the help..:confused:

The only thing I "Think" I know about it is... getting 3in or 12in depends if your going with belly heat or back heat.

Sorry I don't know anymore than I do... But hopefully some of these other guys with racks can chime in and help you out. :)

I use 4 inch(belly heat) on my 41 quart tubs and use 11 inch(back heat)on my baby rack!

Belly heat from the Heat tape works best compared to rope. And as well far cheaper than the rope.

All my racks use 3" flexwatt soldered no matter what size tub it is.

If you have a steady room temp then 3" is all you need. If room is cooler and fluctuates a lot then 11" is best to use on 41qt tubs.

thanks,im gonna go with the 11in for the 41qt and 4in for the 15qts ...thanks this site is awesom......

Keep in mind you will need separate thermostats when using 2 different size heat tape pieces.