Heat tape ?

I built a rack system using pre fab shelving. Since I don't have a tool to make a indention in the wood for the heat tape to sit recessed, can I cover the entire heat with the aluminum tape so the tubs wont actually touch the tape when sliding over it? Will this now allow the heat tape to transfer the heat on the bottom of the tub?

I only put the tape on the edges of the heat tape. My tubs sit directly on top of that. As long as you have a thermostat regulating the temp you shouldn't have a problem.

Thanks for the reply. I was more worried about the tubs rubbing the heat tape everytime we pull them in and out and ripping the tape.

If you have any clearance between the top of the tubs and shelves you can get some thin strips of wood and put one on each side of the shelf to make runners for the tub to slide on. You can use something like flat, trim molding or those flat, wooden stir sticks that you use to stir paint with...