Tubs...

Ok, so I've been looking at different tubs for my DIY rack setup and I'm looking for a tub that's a solid color, not clear, and it has to have a lock down lid. Well, I found one at Lowe's that's perfect. Secure lid, solid color and super durable. But there's one flaw that I can't over look...The bottom isn't perfectly flat. Here's a pic.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/...pso3nttclo.jpg

As you can see, there's about a 1/8" raised portion. I'm going to be using Flexwatt, and I think if I use this tub I would only be heating that raised portion, not the entire warm side. I don't know. I know most of the tubs we use aren't perfectly flat unless it's a V-70 or something similar. So, any suggestions? Also, I'm going for a solid color tub so my BP will feel a bit more secure. Basically I'm shooting for a DIY rack that mimics a commercial rack with ARS solid grey tubs. So, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hope someone answers you, I ran into the same problem. I didn't realize that the bottom wasn't flat till I got home. Waiting for my controller to be delivered so I haven't been able to test it out yet to see if it's going to heat it properly.

I might be over thinking this. I mean, looking at the RBI PVC racks, they're only using 4" heat tape for the CB-70 tubs and those tubs aren't perfectly flat on the bottom, either. Then I looked at the C Serpent rack, and they only use 3" heat tape, and it's actually recessed into the shelf, so the tub isn't actually resting on the heat tape, there's a slight gap. So I think I'll be fine with these tubs. If it doesn't work out, I might try just using a ceramic heat emitter pointed at one side of the tubs instead of using Flexwatt, which would save me some time with wiring. The thing with those though is they tend to kill humidity, so we'll see. I have a UTH laying around, so I'll test the tub tonight and see how much heat actually gets through.

Testing is likely the best way to know for sure. I was using the sterilite tubs which have a similar ridge and they worked but I switched to Vision tubs after buying a rack with them in it and fell in love them so I replaced all my sterilites with Vision tubs. I just felt the ridge was making them less efficient to heat but also a bigger pain to clean too.

Ok I finally got my temp controller in and wired right and it's heating nicely. I set my temp to 91 high 89 low and it cycling just like it should. The probe is on the inside of the tub under the carpet where the hide will be. I'm going to run it a few days just to make sure before I put the snake in.

So it appears the gap between the heat tape and the tub doesn't affect the heating of the tank properly. Sure it not as efficient but I can live with it.

You don't want to place the probe inside the tub you want it sandwiched on the bottom of the tub between the heat tape and the tub. Set your temp at 90 degrees then measure the inside surface temp of the tub with a temp gun and adjust from there.

Ok thanks

No problem, good luck with everything.

I just tested it, as well. There's a 1-2 degree difference between the low spot and the high spot, which isn't bad. These tubs will work fine. Now I can start assembly!