Question about FlexWatt Heat Tape??

Ok...I am building a 3 or 4 shelve snake rack! Not sure on size yet, but once I decide...is there a website to give me instructions on how to properly place the heat tape and connect it all to a thermostat? Also is it easy to work with or should I just go with under the tank heat pads?:cool:

I like FlexWatt, what I don't like is the aluminum tape you need to use with it.

FlexWatt is fairly easy to use. You can order it pre-wired from most places. (I got mine from RBI). If you get it pre-wired all you need to do is tape it down using the aluminum tape, which takes some practice to get right. Then is has a normal electrical plug that you just connect to the thermostat. Place the prob, plug in the thermostat, set it and you are good to go.

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Originally Posted by Kinra

I like FlexWatt, what I don't like is the aluminum tape you need to use with it.

FlexWatt is fairly easy to use. You can order it pre-wired from most places. (I got mine from RBI). If you get it pre-wired all you need to do is tape it down using the aluminum tape, which takes some practice to get right. Then is has a normal electrical plug that you just connect to the thermostat. Place the prob, plug in the thermostat, set it and you are good to go.

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Does it NEED to be the aluminum tape? I'm using black electrical tape?

I have held my flexwatt down with clear packaging tape for over 2 years and it's not moved or come loose one time, you do not need aluminum tape.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

I have held my flexwatt down with clear packaging tape for over 2 years and it's not moved or come loose one time, you do not need aluminum tape.

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Thanks. Now I can stop hovering over my rack.

To the op-
I love the Flexwatt. Its easy and I know there are instructions out there on how to fix it up (I just not sure where). SnakesRkewl or simpleman (who just built a couple of racks) might know.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

I have held my flexwatt down with clear packaging tape for over 2 years and it's not moved or come loose one time, you do not need aluminum tape.

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I wish I had known that before I built my rack. I got so many cuts from that crap when I replaced the 3in with 11in (I bought the wrong size for 41qt tubs). :rolleyes:

The foil tape is made for high heat and is nice and sticky wich is why most people use it with flexwatt.

I use plain ol duct tape

Awesome thanks guys!! SnakesRkewl sent me a link to instructions on placing the flexwatt!! Thanks to SnakesRkewl!! :cool:

The problem with "gummy" tapes is that the heat will melt and soften them, and you will have a mess.

Electrical tape and duct tape, they are not made for that type of surface heat, or the friction of the tub sliding over it again and again. Once the edge starts to roll up, it goes downhill quickly, and the heat just creates a tar-y mess.

Shipping tape works ok, but gets brittle over time, and loses its grip. It doesn't melt out though.

The aluminum tape works great because it sticks very well, it is super durable to the friction of the tub, and the heat is not an issue, even over many years.

With any tape, it is important to limit the number of seams. One big piece to go under each tub. Tub friction from sliding in and out over any seam and it will pull up, bung up, crease up, in no time, and pretty soon you have to tape it down all over again.

The aluminum tape is well worth the small investment.

I have a 30 gal tank. the length is about 36". I have an UTH on one side. I want to heat the rest of the tank to get the ambient temp up. My UTH takes up 11" of the length. How much of the Flexwatt Heat Tape would I need? The width of the tank is about 12".