Few Questions

[erk628]

I just recieved my heat tape and thermostate from reptile supplies today. I had it all prewired but have a few questions on how to set it up tp make sure I do it right. First off I have a 20 gallon that is 12 x 24 and a ten gallon that is 10 x 20. I got a 3 inch piece that is a footlong for the 10 gallon and a 11 inch piece that is a foot long for the 20 gallon. My first question is will a foot long be to long for the ten gallon should I trim some off or just leave it the way it is. Also do I just put the strip directly under the tanks then put a piece of cloth between the strip and the table from keeping the wood table from getting to hot. Also were should I put the probe on the thermostate at should I just put it on the hot side of the 20 gallon. Thanks!!

[xdeus]

Hi,

I hope I can answer some of your questions. First off... the 10 gallon: You don't have to trim the Flexwatt. You can either leave a couple inches hanging out or you can place it lengthwise. Your snake will find the warm spot so it doesn't matter what direction it's in.

It's a good idea to tape the flexwatt to the bottom of the tank using aluminum tape, then raise up the tank about a half inch using a couple pieces of wood. It's not a good idea to have the Flexwatt sandwiched in between the glass and your table, and I don't think a piece of cloth would be sufficient.

Finally, the thermostat probe should be placed directly on the Flexwatt or at least on the warm spot directly over the Flexwatt. You may have to increase the thermostat settings if it's placed directly on the Flexwatt because the warm side will probably be a few degrees cooler than the temp in direct contact with the Flex.

Good luck!

[erk628]

Ok let me just make sure I understand this correctly. First off put the flextap half way under the ten gallon so its coveringing half of the ten gallon then leave the rest hang out the side. Then get some aluminum tape, tape the strips to the bottoms. Get some wood to raise it off the table a bit. then take the probe put it directly on the strip. Now do I put the porbe on the out side of the tank like on the part thats hanging over on the ten gallon. Or on the inside on the very bottom of the tank under the bedding. Then adjust the thermosate until I have the correct temps reading from my thermometer inside my tank. Also should I place the probe on the ten gallon or the 20 gallon. Thanks, and could someone please repond ASAP so I can do this. Thanks guys!!

[erk628]

Also with putting wood under it I suppose it would have to be on each side of the tanks is it ok to have the wood on the heat strips

[xdeus]

That's pretty much it, although I'm a little confused when you said put the flexwatt half-way under the ten gallon. You have a 1-foot piece of Flex, and the 10 gallon is 10 inches wide so only 2 inches will be sticking out.

You can place the thermostat probe either taped directly on the flewatt (the section that is sticking out) or lay it inside under on the warm side (preferably in the warm hide or even under the substrate). The only problem with placing it inside is that your snake can move it around and it will throw off the temps if it moves the probe to a cooler location. Whatever you do, though, don't tape it to the inside as snake and tapes do not get along very well.

It probably doesn't matter if you place the probe on the 10 gallone Flex or the 20 gallon Flex, although you might find it difficult to adjust the temps to both tanks to the recommended settings. 3" Flex and 11" Flex operate with different wattages and different temps, plus the size of the tanks will also contribute to a different environment. You can play with the settings, though, and see if you can get them close.

[xdeus]

Also with putting wood under it I suppose it would have to be on each side of the tanks is it ok to have the wood on the heat strips

No, place it on the sides of the tanks but try not to have the Flex sandwiched between the tank and the wood.

[erk628]

Ok I'll see what I can do if need be I'll move the one to another 10 gallon instead of the 20 and get some more 3 inch. Thanks