Using Heat Tape for a Tub Rack?

I am currently working on building a steralite tub rack for my 4 yearlings that will also be able to house future hatchlings. I will be putting them in 28qt tubs currently but I plan to move the two females into 41 qt tubs in the future with additional 12 qt tubs for hatchlings. I have been having a hard time finding the answers for what width and where to place the heat tape. I am uncertain if at 6" width heat tape on the wall side of the length of each tub will be sufficient, or if I should place a 3" strip of tape underneath the same side instead. Would the wall mounted tape work for all sizes? Would the 3" under tank strips not provide enough of a gradient for the 12qt tubs? Any suggestions or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

Back heat is usually great for hatchlings because the tubs are much smaller (6 quarts) and do not offer much of a gradient or place to escape heat if it get too hot, however people( if they provide a hot spot for their adults) will provide belly heat, it's also much more efficient less heat loss since heat travels up.

For adult people usually provide a 3 to 4 inches wide piece of heat tape that runs across the back. You will find people using wider strips but it really depends on the rack, the room etc.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snakes'nCoffeeStains

I am currently working on building a steralite tub rack for my 4 yearlings that will also be able to house future hatchlings. I will be putting them in 28qt tubs currently but I plan to move the two females into 41 qt tubs in the future with additional 12 qt tubs for hatchlings. I have been having a hard time finding the answers for what width and where to place the heat tape. I am uncertain if at 6" width heat tape on the wall side of the length of each tub will be sufficient, or if I should place a 3" strip of tape underneath the same side instead. Would the wall mounted tape work for all sizes? Would the 3" under tank strips not provide enough of a gradient for the 12qt tubs? Any suggestions or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

---

Perhaps I can help. At least I can tell you what I use with the racks that I build. Short answer is....It depends. I have clients that request back heat, and some that request belly heat. Both work just fine for every day use. For hatchlings, I always use 3" belly heat, but that gets away from your question I think. For the 28qt tubs like you are using, I use 12" tape for back heat, and 6" heat tape for heat. I just find the results better and more consistent over the run of the tape than 4".

The back heat is just that, and is placed on the back wall of the rack.

For belly heat I place it toward the rear of the shelf, under the last 1/3 of the footprint of the tub and woven from shelf to shelf so you have one continuous piece. Use good aluminum tape to hold it in place. If it's properly regulated with a thermostat (as all heating elements should be) it will provide a nice hot spot, and a nice cool side to the tub.

Hope that helps and good luck with the build.

Dave

I plan to use 12 qts for hatchlings, the dimensions work best for my rack, so would belly heat work alright?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snakes'nCoffeeStains

I plan to use 12 qts for hatchlings, the dimensions work best for my rack, so would belly heat work alright?

---

I think that most on here would agree that 6 qt tubs are the way to go for hatchlings.

Dave

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AKA Dave

I think that most on here would agree that 6 qt tubs are the way to go for hatchlings.

Dave

---

Are their any drawbacks to using a 12qt for hatchlings? I am building my rack so that tubs are interchangeable, 6qt have a different height than other sizes so they won't fit into my set up without some modifications.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snakes'nCoffeeStains

Are their any drawbacks to using a 12qt for hatchlings? I am building my rack so that tubs are interchangeable, 6qt have a different height than other sizes so they won't fit into my set up without some modifications.

---

Could you do one shelf as a hatchling shelf and set to that height leaving the rest at the proper height for your plans?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snakes'nCoffeeStains

Are their any drawbacks to using a 12qt for hatchlings? I am building my rack so that tubs are interchangeable, 6qt have a different height than other sizes so they won't fit into my set up without some modifications.

---

Yes there are drw back if you do not have the right size tubs and the tub is too big you will have a hard time getting your hatchling started, there is a reason why every breeders start their hatchlings in 6 quarts tub or V18 it's because they are cramped providing the necessary security needed for young hatchlings out of the egg.

Sure you can use a 12 quarts tubs but don't be surprise if you have issues getting hatchlings started.