How long does heat tape last?

I was curious as to how long heat tape generally lasts? How long can it be used and when does it need to be changed? I recently got a Animal plastics rack system with 4 slots and heat tape on each slot. The rack is hooked to a thermostat with a probe . It was purchased in January and has been previously used for a few months . This is my first time using a rack and I wanted to be prepared for when I may need to get more heat tape. Everything heats well so far, hot side 90-93 and cool side 82-84

As for the behavior of my balls, they don't try to get out of the tub too often unless it's around feeding time. They seem pretty content in the tubs. The "trying to get out" behavior stops after they are fed. No one is showing signs of being too hot or restlessness. Humidity stays in pretty well and reaches around 70-80 percent at the highest. Usual humidity stays around 50-60 percent. Hope this extra information helps .

I dont use Heat Tape but I do have it on one of my enclosures. I know people use it for years without a problem but im just not comfortable not being able to see it. Im sure several will respond and I know they’ve all been running it for several years.


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I have some I have used for years without and issue, but i just had to replace a piece I had less than a year.

Keep in mind there are different types & brands of "heat tape".

Specifically, I've been using Flexwatt for well over 25 years on I don't know how many cages...:D Properly installed (with a little breathing room so it doesn't
over-heat) and undamaged by moving etc. it lasts for decades at my house. I think I've only had 2 or 3 pieces go bad, but they were likely affected by the
move across country. (make sure they don't get bent, etc.) Mine are installed under tanks that sit either on solid furniture (w/ air vents created by gaps in
weatherstripping on bottom edges of tanks) or on wood cabinets & stands made for aquariums (with opening under tank that I partly insulate).

I also have flexwatt that has been in use 10+ years without issue.

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

I also have flexwatt that has been in use 10+ years without issue.

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I think we've gotten our money's worth...:rofl: The only ones that failed me I think were damaged when they were removed from tanks prior to my move, or during.
They were stuck on a little too well, & it wasn't practical to haul my tanks.

You never know I have had some running for over a decade and I had 2 that malfunction in less than 2 years.

My advice is to always make sure nothing is rubbing on the heat tape and inspect your tape yearly for wear and tear.

And if you run heat tape under a tank or cage, DO NOT allow the tank/cage to sit on the cord. It might not be the heat tape itself that fails, but the cord. ;)

To avoid this situation, I use rubber weather-stripping on the bottom edges of my tanks, with gaps left both for air & for the cord. The weather-stripping is
readily available in all hardware stores, is sold on rolls (also not expensive), and it's peel & stick -very easy to snip with scissors & install. It also prevents cages
from sliding easily...making things safer, whether or not you live with earthquakes.