How to set up a PVC cage (AP T8) With Pictures!

[Eric Alan]

Currently I use a single piece of 12" heat tape that is 4 feet long and run it longways accords the back half of the bottom of the cages...If the cage is going to be divided I would go with the 48" piece of 12" heat tape.

Hey Aaron,

As you know, I've got a very similar T8 setup. I'm now starting to rethink my heating method - a single 11" strip up the middle of the T8 where the divider is. Going with 12" across the back seems like the right direction, but I question if 12" is necessary, as it is 50% of the width. From Rich's Heat Tape FAQ (Reptile Basics), he doesn't recommend going more than 1/3 of the floor surface area which makes me lean towards 6" over 12". Any thoughts?

Regardless of the width, is 48" the right length for our T8s across the back? I only ask because I'm wondering if any extra length needs to be accounted for when considering the wire/clips/insulators that go on one end. Of course I could ask Rich, but I figured I'd ask you since you've got the setup in place already.

Thanks, man!

Best regards,
Eric