Just purchased an RBI Rack....

I just got my new RBI rack delivered and have some questions. First of all, the rack is a CB70 rack and there doesn't seem to be very much room in the tub for anything but the snake and its water bowl. I am used to using the RBI cages with lots of room for hides, logs, etc.

Given the space constraints - should I stop using hides?? There just doesn't seem like there is enough space for hides.

Also, any of you that use the RBI racks - does there seem to be an issue with the tub rubbing on the heat tape when you pull the tub out - it seems to me that over time this will create a problem. I realize that the heat tape is supposed to be recessed but the unit I got doesn't seem to have a deep enough recession to fully protect the heat tape - any help with this??

I also have a concern about the placement of the probe for the Helix. If i tape the probe to the heat tape - then it will certainly get rubbed each time I remove a tub - what should I do to minimize the wear and tear on my probe. Any helpful suggestions about probe placement.

I have to say - after using nice roomy cages for so long - I was a bit dissappointed when I actually got the rack - it seems so primitive - LOL.

The reason for the switch was because of on and off feeding problems and I thought this may be the better housing option. I just don't know.

Sorry for the long post - just wanted to put all my concerns out there for you all to help me out.

Thanks.

We use hides in some of the CB70's for the girls who appear to prefer them. There is still a reasonable amout of in hide/out of hide space along with the water bowl.

We had an issue once with the heat tape not being all the way in the groove, probably popped out during shipping. Just reach back there and press down along both edges of it with your finger. Worst case scenario use some aluminum tape if you need to.

With the probe, put it on the outer edges of the heat tape where the tubs angle in towards center. You have about 2 inches to work with there. That way the probe is on the tape but will never be in the way.

Hope this helps, enjoy your racks.

Thanks Twisted Reptiles for taking the time to respond.

I tried to reach in and push the heat tape back in place but my arms aren't long enough - LOL.

So, if I understood correctly, I can put aluminum tape on the edges to prevent the tub from rubbing on the heat tape - correct??

I am not quite understanding where you want me to affix the probe - can you try to explain it again.

Thank you sooo much.

Ok, so I went home last night to attempt to set the darn rack up - there is no way my arms are long enough to reach in the back where the heat tape is to tape my probe to the tape.

Also, there are two cords coming out of the rack - I plugged them both into my Helix but my question is - I only have one probe, how will the helix control the heat of both heat tapes with only one probe. Since there are two cords - I assume there are two separate pieces of heat tape running thru this rack??

How can something so simple cause such problems - LOL.

Help.

Come on guys - anyone out there that can help me out here - I really need to get this rack up and running.

Help please.

Call Rich @ RBI (336) 880-5798 I'm sure he'll be able to give you info.

unfortunately they are closed - per the note on their site - I even emailed him but to no avail.

Thanks for trying.

Yes, there are two separate strips of 3" flexwatt in the CB70 racks.

You only need one probe. Plus both strips into the Helix. They are set up identically, they will operate identically, they just provide a bigger surface area of belly heat when you use two strips.

As far as the probe goes, put it directly on the tape, near the edge of the rack, like an inch in, so that it doesn't interfere with the tub sliding in and out. If you need a picture let me know I'll put one up, I just don't have one handy at the moment.

I'd be more than happy to talk you through if need be as well, all we use is RBI racks and have nothing but positive experiences with them.

Thanks Twisted Reptiles for your help. I managed to get the probe taped down to the heat tape.

Now my only question is - what setting do you have your helix set to in order to get the 89 hot side and 80 cool side. I currently have mine up to 96 on the helix and the tubs dont seem warm at all.

I really appreciate your help with this.

I am beginning to think that I am the only one around that has had such issues with getting a rack set up - LOL.

I finally got the rack up and running but I wanted to know if any of you have ever seen or heard about someone having to set their Helix at 102 in order to reach the desired temps of 89 hot side - 80 cool side??

The middle tub and the bottom tub are reading good numbers but the very top rack is running on the cooler side - what is up with that - why aren't they all reading the same numbers?? I have the probe affixed to the heat tape in the middle section.

Any one that can offer any help.

Thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Twisted Reptiles

We had an issue once with the heat tape not being all the way in the groove, probably popped out during shipping. Just reach back there and press down along both edges of it with your finger. Worst case scenario use some aluminum tape if you need to.

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Using conductive aluminum tape to hold flexwatt down is the worst case scenario:cool:
Conductive tape, has the potential of becoming live if it accidentally makes contact with a strand of your lamp cord or ever makes contact with the heat tape, via a pin hole or abrasion:O
Use an alternative:please:

omg, I have my probe taped to my heat tape with aluminum tape. I thought this was what I was supposed to do??

Help.

You can use black electrical tape

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

omg, I have my probe taped to my heat tape with aluminum tape. I thought this was what I was supposed to do??

Help.

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You're fine with aluminum tape. A lot of people use it to tape their heat tapes down because it is heat resistant. When you use aluminum tape to tape down heat tape, use 2 aluminum tape strips and tape down each side separately so you are only taping down one bus with one tape. Did that make sense? So yes, you could also use aluminum tape to hold the probe down onto the heat tape. Make sure the aluminum tape is not touching both sides of the heat tape (touching both buses). You'll be fine.

Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation running rampant on ALL forums. A man just needs to use common sense to decifer through all the bull.
Aluminum tape was designed for forced air heat ducts, not for holding down flexwatt. I'm not sure were people got that idea:confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GameBred

Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation running rampant on ALL forums. A man just needs to use common sense to decifer through all the bull.
Aluminum tape was designed for forced air heat ducts, not for holding down flexwatt. I'm not sure were people got that idea:confused:

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And flexwatt was designed to heat floors. And I'm sure duct tape was not designed to hold down Chuck Norris.

Hey Anatess, what do you mean by "make sure it is not touching both buses" what the heck is a "bus".

I am sooo confused right now on what is correct. I've already taped my probe with alum. tape and it is taped directly on top of my heat tape - I sure hope this isn't dangerous.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

Hey Anatess, what do you mean by "make sure it is not touching both buses" what the heck is a "bus".

I am sooo confused right now on what is correct. I've already taped my probe with alum. tape and it is taped directly on top of my heat tape - I sure hope this isn't dangerous.

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The heat tape has a conductive bus (wire) running down each side. If you notice, the cable that plugs to the wall is hooked to each side of the heat tape with clips. One side is positive, the other is negative. They cannot touch because that would cause an electrical short which is the cause of fires - that would be like shorting your extension cord by stripping off the insulation that separates both wires that make up the cord. Make sense?

I currently have 4 CB-70 racks. I use the RBI large hides in all of them. I have my helix set for 95. Since all my girls eat every week (unless in shed) I assume they are happy with the setup. My probe is taped to the flexxwatt with aluminum tape. It has been this way for almost 2 years with no problems, and I can't imagine how there could be a problem.
In all my CB-70 the heat tape seems fully recessed so I'm not sure what you mean, do you see the leading edge sticking up so the tub catches it?

Also for the aluminum tape thing being dangerous? If you look where Rich wired the flexwatt to the cords its all attached to the side and covered with aluminum tape. Rich has been building and shipping these racks for years and I have NEVER heard of any complaint about the aluminum tape causing a dangerous situation and I'm pretty sure with all the hundreds (maybe thousands?) of racks that he has shipped it would be known if it was as problem.

Thanks Agent73 for your input. I believe the tape may have shifted while in shipment - I did reach in and push it back down as best I could - it just seems like I can hear the tub hitting the tape strips when I remove the one tub.

Have you ever had to remove your probe from the heat tape - is it easy to remove without damaging the probe or the heat tape?? If it can be moved I might remove mine and move the probe a little further towards the left hand side so the tub cant possibly hit it.

I apologize for all my questions/concerns - I am brand new to using racks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

Thanks Agent73 for your input. I believe the tape may have shifted while in shipment - I did reach in and push it back down as best I could - it just seems like I can hear the tub hitting the tape strips when I remove the one tub.

Have you ever had to remove your probe from the heat tape - is it easy to remove without damaging the probe or the heat tape?? If it can be moved I might remove mine and move the probe a little further towards the left hand side so the tub cant possibly hit it.

I apologize for all my questions/concerns - I am brand new to using racks.

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This is just my option but as long as the tub isn't catching the edge of the flexwatt I don't think it would a problem.
If you look down length wise of the bottom of the shelf so your eye level is right on the edge can you see the flexwatt peaking up out of its recessed groove? If not you don't have anything to worry about.

I just use a little piece of tape to hold it in place and I have moved and had no trouble. I have my probe taped down on the right, just to the right of where the tub slides in.

Also just FYI for the size of the racks I had to downgrade from the CB-70 for my males. The bins were too big, they had stopped eating or had reduced appetites. Once I put my males into the RBI 32 quart sweaterbox racks they all started eating normally again:taz:
So now I keep all my females in CB-70's and all my males in sweater box racks.

Hey L. Hope you don't mind that I hijack this a bit...

Agent, do you have 3" or 4" heat tape running down the sweater box rack? I'm building one (only for 4 bp's) and I'm debating whether to use 3" or 4".

Hi,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GameBred

Using conductive aluminum tape to hold flexwatt down is the worst case scenario:cool:
Conductive tape, has the potential of becoming live if it accidentally makes contact with a strand of your lamp cord or ever makes contact with the heat tape, via a pin hole or abrasion:O
Use an alternative:please:

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If your heat tape has a pin hole or abrasion in it you shouldn't be using it in the first place. :rolleyes:

Cover the ends of the side conductors and all soldered, clipped connections with electrical insulating tape and then tape it to the shelf with aluminium tape that will not lift due to the temps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GameBred

Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation running rampant on ALL forums. A man just needs to use common sense to decifer through all the bull.
Aluminum tape was designed for forced air heat ducts, not for holding down flexwatt. I'm not sure were people got that idea:confused:

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Aluminium tape was designed to remain stuck at high temps. The idea of using it to hold down a heating element is hardly a big leap.

Common sense tells me that if there is an accessible and touchable part of your heating element that is live you did a crap job of making it and should start again.


dr del