What size heat tape do you use?

Right now I'm using 4'' heat tape on my breeders rack. I have two stripes side by side running down one foot, so my heating area is 8'' by 12''. I'm about to build a new rack which will hold 58 qt (23L x 17w x 13h) tubs I was thinking of running a single 4'' strip along the back as belly heat. however i was looking online and saw 3'' is a little cheaper so I could get more for my money. I'm a little worried that the ambient temps won't be high enough and I won't cover enough area with 3''. Also I can't solder very well, does anyone have a better way to connect heat tape besides solder and the expensive heat tape connectors? Let me know what you guys use on your racks and what you think thanks

We use 4 inch on hatchling racks and under 28qt tubs and we use 11x12 inch under 40/41 qt tubs.
If you use smaller heat tape you'll probably want a little higher ambient room temperature because 3 inch and 4 inch heat tape does little for ambient temps in large tubs.

I do the same as above. I use 3" on anything up to 32qt and 11" on the 41qts. Since I don't have a heated room I place 2 11" pieces of heat tape running up the backs of my rack to keep the ambient temps up. It works well for me.

I only use 3" on hatchlings. You aren't going to keep heat up with 3" and 58 qt IMO. Not going to happen. I use 4" on 15/32qt everything else belly heat. I would use 11" on 58qt tub.

Regards,

B

I use 3" on any size rack. if your room isnt heated well or consistently then using 2 strips if 3" on 28qt and 11" on 41qt may help.

But in room temp 75+ no need for bigger than 3"

Yep, 3" in every application. When we did giant species, burms and such, we heated the 6 ft Vision cages with the 3" heat tape, creates a fine hot spot.

Heat tape is a great supplemental heat source, to create a hot spot. Ambient temp should be achieved through different means, preferably some type of room heater/system.

3 inches tape for everyone. :gj:

3" 10watt for everything