Heat Tape Placement.

[beaglegod]

I was just looking at some instructions for constructing a melamine rack system and I noticed that 11" heat tape was put all along the back end of the rack. Obviously to heat all the plastic bins together at the same time,but is this a good way to heat a rack system, since I thought heat from beneath the snake, belly heat was the way to go?

[Marla]

You can also do it with the heat tape run under the bins, which is what I plan to do when I set up a rack system. You just wire each rack's tape to the next rack's and use one thermostat to control all of them.

[beaglegod]

Hmmm, correct me if Im wrong Marla, your saying that instead of using a 3 foot long strip of heat tape down one side, Id buy 3 one foot pieces, and wire one to the other, I guess using an extention cord cut up into pieces ,the last piece of heat tape would be the one pluged into the thermostat or dimmer.

[Marla]

Well, mostly yes. I'm saying you'd buy 3' of flexwatt, cut it at the marked places into 3 individual heat mats, then use an extension cord (or just lamp wiring) to connect the mats together, then an entension cord or lamp wire with an end to plug into thermostat, dimmer, or wall. I'm also saying you'd make sure you made good connections to the flexwatt and then covered them well with electrical tape or duct tape to prevent nasty shocks. :shock:

[s6g2p]

were the best place to buy this wire ?????

[Marla]

Your local Home Depot or Lowe's or Ace Hardware should have the wire, electrical tape, and caps if you prefer to use them. The heat tape you it's easier to buy online, unless you live close to one of the online dealers' retail locations.

[JamminJonah]

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Reptile_...oducts_28.html you can check this out too but sometimes their prices can be a tad bit (buck or two) higher than other places - plus shipping - but they have REALLY good customer service from what I have heard.

[RPlank]

were the best place to buy this wire ?????

www.beanfarm.com