41 Qt HEAT

Today my dad and I were putting together a shopping list of what will be needed to build a 6 tub single stack of 41qt sterilite tubs. It will be a standard 38"ish deep by 18"ish wide with 3 full walls. What I need to know is what size of THG heat tape will I need to purchase? 4" or 6"? I've read that when choosing a UTH for a glass terrarium the heat source should cover 1/3 to 1/2 of the floor space. Is the same thing true for plastic tubs? Or will the fact that racks hold heat better reduce the need for a larger heat source? The rack is going to be a bedroom without any additional heat. If ambient or cool side temps aren't high enough I will include a plexiglass door to trap heat. Mine is going to look similar the one pictured. Any input from builders will be appreciated.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9fbb3584.jpg

I would use 12" personally. I really don't understand why people use 3"-4" heat tape on 41 quart tubs.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I would use 12" personally. I really don't understand why people use 3"-4" heat tape on 41 quart tubs.

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Same, I just got some 12"and it covers the tubs quite nicely. I nice just-right size for big girls.

I use about 3-4 inch worth of heat cable on 41 quart tubs and it works out fine...

Depends on how you want to run your heat tape. If you're running it down the back or down the sides the 12" stuff would be the way to go, if you're running it underneath the tubs the 3"-4" stuff is all you'll really ever need.

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Originally Posted by MarkS

Depends on how you want to run your heat tape. If you're running it down the back or down the sides the 12" stuff would be the way to go, if you're running it underneath the tubs the 3"-4" stuff is all you'll really ever need.

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That's a good point. I was gonna go with belly heat. Just one long piece zig-zagged down each shelf. Somehow I don't see how a single strip of 4" belly heat would be able to provide enough heat for a 88+ degree hot spot AND a 78+ degree cool side. Especially since the cool side of the tub is 25-30 inches away from the heat source. 12" really seems like the way to go. A strip of 12" down each side might prove effective also. Maybe I should start a poll.