just built a new rack

I just built a rack for my snakes. I have some heat tape which I'm planning to use to heat the tubs.

I don't want to run the heat tape along the back of the rack like I've seen some guys do it.
what I want to know is , can I cut the heat tape into 1 foot lengths and then reconnect them together with wire( so I can use them for belly heat)?

I just was not sure if this would cause extra draw in current or melt the heat tape. has anyone done it like this? is it still safe, and can I control it with one dimmer switch?

the other option is to cut into 1 ft lengths and wire each one with a plug , but I'd need to control the heat for each one separately.

You could wire each piece with a plug and use a power strip. Or you can just wire them in parallel.

I would solder all connections.

I won't claim to be an expert but I can share my "learning" experience.

I just finished building 2 racks but before I did, I had all my tubs on wire shelving racks. I thought it would be nice to have separate pieces of Flexwatt, each with it's own plug. In my opinion it was more of a pain than a convenience and just created more clutter.
* Before I bought my T-stat I had them plugged into power strips and each power strip was controlled by 1 dimmer switch. I never had a problems doing it this way.

I have since built 2 racks with open sides (not sure what style you have). One rack I bought one long strip of Flexwatt and snaked it back and forth across the shelves. This works great and it was fairly easy to do. The only thing I do not like is the look. The other rack I reused the short pieces of Flexwatt. I removed the cord/plugs and wired in parallel. Takes a little longer to do (yes I soldered) and you can use 18 gauge lamp cord.
I run them both on one Herpstat dual controls unit and they are pretty close with temps.

Not sure if any of this helps but this was my (limited) experience with it.

Jim

I think I'll go with running them in parallel.

I wanted to do something like that but wasn't sure if it was going to be a problem.

anyone have a link to a tutorial on how to wire a dimmer switch to flexwatt tape?

I think I know how, but would like some pictures just in case.

a lot of the tutorials I've seen don't mention anything about installing a dimmer switch. most just wire the tape directly to the plug. I'm assuming they're using a thermostat with it then?

I'm not sure if I wired this correctly.

I'm getting lower temps on the second and third rack than the first.

if they're wired properly then the temps should be the same for all shouldn't they?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pliskin

I'm not sure if I wired this correctly.

I'm getting lower temps on the second and third rack than the first.

if they're wired properly then the temps should be the same for all shouldn't they?

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Where is your thermostat probe?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pliskin

I'm not sure if I wired this correctly.

I'm getting lower temps on the second and third rack than the first.

if they're wired properly then the temps should be the same for all shouldn't they?

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Heat Rises, but the flexwatt produces the same amount of heat per foot all along its length.
Are your bottom bins cooler than the top bins??? Most people seem to put the temp probe in the middle of the rack or use different outputs (herpstat pro has 4 outlets each with its own temp probe) for different levels of the rack.
Do you have any pics of your racks?
Cheers
A

I'll post a few pics of my BP setup in a couple of days when I get a chance.
I'm just putting a few finishing touches on my display tank for my hogg island boa.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Where is your thermostat probe?

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when I originally posted this I was using a dimmer switch to control the temps but I found it to be a hassle to keep adjusting the temps constantly, so I got a proper thermostat. problem solved.