Questions about tubs and flexwatt

[onlyjays9p]

I went to the store and could not find 32qt males ball sized tubs but they had 28 will these be big enough? also is it alright to run flexwatt so that the tape runs the width of the tubs instead of just one side (for balls) i would like to build my rack so that the tubs run sideways.
thanks in advance

[llovelace]

28q & 32q are basically the same when you compare the dimensions. yes running the flexx the width of the tub is ok. Post some pics when you're done building it

[snakedork]

if you run your tubs sideways just remember to not max out on your high side heat. We have several sideways tubs. If you run your heat high you will find that your snake just lays on the side that the tape isn't on, length wise. It is very hard to get a good heat gradient.

[frankykeno]

Flex should also never cover more than 1/3 of the footprint of the tub (advice from the Reptile Basics site). I'm not suprised you couldn't find any 32 qt tubs and had to go with 28's. I'm having that same problem here in Toledo. Drives me nuts how they just stop doing a certain size like that.

[ScottyDsntKnow]

You can't find the 32 qts anymore because sterilite doesn't make them anymore. They replaced them with the 28s. This is common from what I hear and the 28s aren't really that much smaller anyway. You CAN find 32 qt latchtops but they aren't as sturdy as the regular solid piece tubs.

[jeffh231979]

28 qt are ok to use i use them with no problem

[onlyjays9p]

So would 1ft of 4'' heat tape work on the 41 qts i could run it on one side but will that be enough heat? I have the 28qt that when put with these 12qts (for juvies) will fit perfectly in a rack as the 41qt so now im confused to how i should run the heat tape any ideas I bought 14ft of 4in tape if anyone can help it would be very thankful my helix and tape should show up weds and my rack should be done being built by then.

[onlyjays9p]

I forgot to add its gonna have 4 41qt 4 28qt and 4 12qt

[onlyjays9p]

anyone?

[ScottyDsntKnow]

No, 4" tape will not even be close to enough to heat up a 41qt, you need the 11" wide stuff for that. Also with different sizes of flexwatt you'll need separate thermometers as different sizes heat up to different temps on the same power levels. I suppose you could always "throttle" down the hotter areas with dimmers but just be aware.

Do some reading and research for yourself seriously, there are over a dozen DIY stickies and they all have great info.