Flexwatt in DIY rack

[LilRobb]

I'm right in the process of building my 32qt rack I wanna use the Flexwatt as belly heater - any concerns putting it right under every tub? Should I better use double floors and put the FW in between?
Thinking about using coated pegboard.

Also one Herpstat should be enough for the temps right?

Robb

[lord jackel]

There is no issue putting the flex right under the tubs...PROVIDED you regulate its temp with a thermostat. If you were to let the flex heat up to max it could melt the tub...but with your thermostat you won't have an issue (this is how most belly heat racks work)


One Herpstat can handle up to 500 watts so it all depends on how many feet of flex you run and what wattage the flex is.

[LilRobb]

cool,

thanks - now the probe of the Herpstatt ND goes where?

I'v seen setups where it was put into one tub - and another one where it was taped to the flexwatt itself?

I like the latter better, but isn't that kinda short circuiting? Talking bout the temps...


Robb

[muddoc]

Robb,
Here is a link to a DIY page on my website that does detail heat setup on racks.
http://baileyreptiles.com/cb70rack.html
I place my probe directly on the heat tape, however, some others do it differently. The key point to probe placement is to know the temperature in the tub on top of the heat source. I have my Helixs set to 98 degrees (probe on the heat tape), which inturn gives me a temperature of about 93 degrees inside of my tub. Just make sure that you don't have to turn your thermostat up to high (say 110 degrees) to get 92-94 in the tank, or you may risk melting the tub.