i'm new to tub setups and Coffee Bean's tub is my first go at them. so far she's doing very well, however i'm heating her ambient temps with a space heater and i'd like to move away from this. is it possible to maintain correct temps using 4" heat tape + 'stat? i've read heat tape is not the best as an ambient heat source, but a lot of people use it successfully.

Coffee Bean is in a 15qt tub; my idea was to place the heat tape on the outside of the short side of the tub (which is ~6" wide), not on the bottom, and place the 'stat probe inside. i was also planning on taping styrofoam over the tape for some insulation if needed.

does this sound like it could work? does anyone have better ideas or other suggestions? any input is appreciated!!!