Heating racks?

Hello everyone,

I've seen some amazing builds on here, and almost all of them use 'flexwatt' as the main form of heating the rack. I don't think this is available in the UK, and I was wondering if heat cable was an option?

http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/rept...es-322517.html

This is the cable in question. It seems you just run it along the shelves of your rack, maybe cut in some grooves for it to sit in. Do you think it would work?

Also, how do you regulate the heat of the cable? Plug it into a thermostat, place the probs in the tub and set the temp? I haven't seen a thermostat which says it is compatiable with heat cable.

Thanks in advance.

Ok, I'm not in the UK, and I don't have any personal experience with this particular heat cable, so I'm going on my decent knowledge of electrical systems and experience with some cable. The heat cable will plug into a thermostat just like any other heat source, yes you will need a recessed area for it as it will be a lot less tolerant of a tub rubbing against it than flexwatt. As for probe placement, I usually put it directly on the heat source, right next to the tub, and check internal tub temps with a temp gun or probed digital thermometer.

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Originally Posted by Darkbird

Ok, I'm not in the UK, and I don't have any personal experience with this particular heat cable, so I'm going on my decent knowledge of electrical systems and experience with some cable. The heat cable will plug into a thermostat just like any other heat source, yes you will need a recessed area for it as it will be a lot less tolerant of a tub rubbing against it than flexwatt. As for probe placement, I usually put it directly on the heat source, right next to the tub, and check internal tub temps with a temp gun or probed digital thermometer.

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Thanks a lot! Been researching this all day. Seems like quite a lot of people choose this option. How would you go about creating the groove for the cable to sit in? I dont particularly want to buy an £80 router just for this job.

Cheers.

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Would covering the cable in electrical tape stop it from wearing good enough? Or I could possibly mount it so it provides back heat, not belly heat?

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I know with the one cable I have the outer covering is quite soft, so I really wouldn't have it in any situation where direct contact was possible. I doubt the electrical tape will even last long with a tub rubbing on it. Back heat would be just fine, used to be real popular, I even have 4 racks still using it. If you dont want a router, you could add a layer of material, say plywood slightly thicker than the cable, and add a piece to each shelf, short enough to leave a space for you to tape down the cable where you need it. Then the tub goes over the cable without making contact. Hope that makes sense.

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Originally Posted by George1994

Hello everyone,

I've seen some amazing builds on here, and almost all of them use 'flexwatt' as the main form of heating the rack. I don't think this is available in the UK, and I was wondering if heat cable was an option?

http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/rept...es-322517.html

This is the cable in question. It seems you just run it along the shelves of your rack, maybe cut in some grooves for it to sit in. Do you think it would work?

Also, how do you regulate the heat of the cable? Plug it into a thermostat, place the probs in the tub and set the temp? I haven't seen a thermostat which says it is compatiable with heat cable.

Thanks in advance.

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I've been using the zoomed heat cable for several years with no problems. Have it hooked up to a t-stat and warms up my 28 qt tubs quite well. I also monitor the ambient temps and keep it at a contant 82-84. Hope this helps.