Back heat in custom cages?

Just curious how back heat will work in custom caging. I decides to say forget a rack and build a stack of 3' by 2' melamine cages for now that are 1' high. My plan is to use a router and make a 1/2" deep groove down the back to put the flex in. Do you think that would transfer enough heat in if I backed it with some aluminum tape?

i dont think it will work. i tried it and heat tape does not get hot enough to bring the ambient temperatures to what you need them to be.

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Originally Posted by bigballs

i dont think it will work. i tried it and heat tape does not get hot enough to bring the ambient temperatures to what you need them to be.

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no it won't work,back heat is not effiecent it barely works on small tubs in a rack.on a cage it would be impossible to reach desired temps.have fun !

Ok. Thanks

If what your building doesnt have tubs then think about using radient heat panels, they can be pricey but the are very efficient and long lasting and safe to the touch. Mount them on the ceiling of the enclosures.

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Originally Posted by twh

no it won't work,back heat is not effiecent it barely works on small tubs in a rack.on a cage it would be impossible to reach desired temps.have fun !

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Really Sean at EbN has rooms full of back heat racks.

You have to cover the back with Reflexit and enclose the sides of the rack but it can be done.

If most people had a choice, they choose belly heat. Why cant you do belly heat again?

Well If I do go with stacked cages, it will be hard to do. My next thought was to route a 1/4" deep groove in the floor of the cages and put flex there and cover it with some of that fake tile in a roll stuff

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Originally Posted by Subzero

If what your building doesnt have tubs then think about using radient heat panels, they can be pricey but the are very efficient and long lasting and safe to the touch. Mount them on the ceiling of the enclosures.

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i agree!



vaughn

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Originally Posted by Pork Chops N' Corn Bread

Well If I do go with stacked cages, it will be hard to do. My next thought was to route a 1/4" deep groove in the floor of the cages and put flex there and cover it with some of that fake tile in a roll stuff

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You can always route the groove in the bottom outside of the cage. I did that when I had melamine cages. It worked just fine and I had 90f hot spots using 3/4" thick melamine. You can either tape it in place with foil tape or staple it.

They route the groove in the bottom of Animal Plastics for heat cable and I think now for flex. Should work for you.

If I ever went back to cages I would go w/ heat panels.