Heat tape, THG or Flexwatt? Who uses what and why?

[highlands]

I am trying to decide whether go with flexwatt heat tape or the THG heat tape sold by Reptile Basics, can anyone make a recommendation?

[LittleTreeGuy]

I haven't used the flexwatt, but Have been using the heat tape from reptile basics. It's inexpensive and does the job, so I've been happy with it so far.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I have used both and the results are the same.
I prefer to support Reptile Basics because I also order other items from them.

[ItsAllNew2Me!]

I use THG. If you look them up on google there are a few comparisons. There does not seem to be much difference to me but I believe THG claims more even heat transfer or something like that. I just found THG to be a bit cheaper and I had to order rodent watering supplies so reptile basics was the way to go for me.

[AKA Dave]

I use THG in all my racks and display units. Been really good so far.

Dave

[mdb730]

I have both and found them to be exactly the same in my experience. If I need to buy more heat tape I will be buying from reptile basics because of the price and the heat connection sets. I think the heat connection sets is what did it for me, they are much easier to apply.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I think the heat connection sets is what did it for me, they are much easier to apply.

Solder

[AntTheDestroyer]

Reptile basics and THG for me, but I have not used any other heat tape.

I have tried to solder the connections and can not seem to not melt the plastic around the cooper strips. This causes an air gap that leads to arching and more melting. I put electric tape over it buy I would be lying to say that it doesn't still make me a bit nervous. My new method is whole punching the mat and slipping in those ring connectors, then I put a crushable copper sleeve trough both holes. I use a hammer and a metal tap to hammer the sleeve down around the ring.

[Ax01]

i use THG.

Quick Question: would it be possible to solder the heat tape that is currently connected via the crimps/clip sets? (that's if i had wanted to.)

[Eric Alan]

I've used and had good results with both. When I've purchased pre-made racks, they've typically come with Flexwatt and work well. When I've purchased the tape by itself, I went with THG and liked it also.

My own personal research steered me towards THG (as well as being a RB supporter), but I don't believe there is a truly wrong decision no matter which way you go. Both are good products and are widely used in the industry.