Questions about flexwatt heat tape

[PurplePython]

If I choose to make my own snake rack, what would be the best way to use fexwatt heat tape?

1. What size should I use, and what watt should I use? 3" flexwatt with 6 watts, 3" flexwatt with 10 watts, 4 inch flexwatt, 11 inch flexwatt?

2. How should I cut it? Should I cut single peices of it, and put down a seperate cut of the flexwatt for each shelf? If I do this, is there a way to wire all of them together so that I only need 1 plug? Or will I need to wire them all seperately and plug them all in seperate into an outlet?

3. A few people have told me to run it throughout each shelf. How is this done? From side to side, or front to back? How will I run it from one shelf to the next?

4. What is better, belly heat or back heat? I know belly heat will help with digestion, but so many people use back heat now, it seams like many are switching to it.

5. Anything else I need to know? I just want to make sure I understand EVERYTHING about flexwatt heat tape before I go burning my house down or putting a snakes life in danger.

Thank you

[seeya205]

1. What size should I use, and what watt should I use? 3" flexwatt with 6 watts, 3" flexwatt with 10 watts, 4 inch flexwatt, 11 inch flexwatt?

It depends on what size tubs you have! I used the 4" flexwatt for my 41 quart tub rack!

2. How should I cut it? Should I cut single peices of it, and put down a seperate cut of the flexwatt for each shelf? If I do this, is there a way to wire all of them together so that I only need 1 plug? Or will I need to wire them all seperately and plug them all in seperate into an outlet?

This is up to you! You can wire them in parrell or with one piece of flexwatt for the whole rack if you want just one plug or or you can wire them seperately and plug the into a power bar then plug the power bar into your thermostat or dimmer!

3. A few people have told me to run it throughout each shelf. How is this done? From side to side, or front to back? How will I run it from one shelf to the next?

You run it across one shelf then down the side and across the next shelf and so on! You need to cut out a hole on each shelf to feed the flexwatt through!

4. What is better, belly heat or back heat? I know belly heat will help with digestion, but so many people use back heat now, it seams like many are switching to it.

I use only belly heat as I believe its better for the snake but some use back heat and it works fine for them!

5. Anything else I need to know? I just want to make sure I understand EVERYTHING about flexwatt heat tape before I go burning my house down or putting a snakes life in danger.

Make sure your connections are tight and insulated! Use a dimmer or thermostat so the flexwatt does not overheat!

[Sarin]

1. What size should I use, and what watt should I use? 3" flexwatt with 6 watts, 3" flexwatt with 10 watts, 4 inch flexwatt, 11 inch flexwatt?

I use 4" flexwatt for my racks, and I believe this is what most people use in their racks for belly heat. Just stay away from the 3" 10 watt.


2. How should I cut it? Should I cut single peices of it, and put down a seperate cut of the flexwatt for each shelf? If I do this, is there a way to wire all of them together so that I only need 1 plug? Or will I need to wire them all seperately and plug them all in seperate into an outlet?

Just cut straight through and be sure not to cut through the black parts. In my shelf, I put a separate piece on each shelf and connected them all separately. They are plugged into 2 different power bars, and the power bars are plugged into my Herpstat. There are 9 shelves total. Lots of wires but worth it IMO.


3. A few people have told me to run it throughout each shelf. How is this done? From side to side, or front to back? How will I run it from one shelf to the next?

If you decide to do it this way, just do it in a zig-zag. Side-to-side for a regular rack, or front-to-back for a sideways rack.


4. What is better, belly heat or back heat? I know belly heat will help with digestion, but so many people use back heat now, it seams like many are switching to it.

I don't think I will ever use anything other then Belly Heat. It is better for them but many many people use Back Heat without a problem. I think it's safe to say it is totally up to you. Back heat is easier to put together.


5. Anything else I need to know? I just want to make sure I understand EVERYTHING about flexwatt heat tape before I go burning my house down or putting a snakes life in danger.

Just make sure you know how to wire it properly. There's a tutorial on here which I followed as well as a video on Youtube.

YouTube - Wiring Flexwatt (Part 1)

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...148383#1148383


Good luck!

[PurplePython]

Thanks for the help you guys. Building a rack seams simple, but the whole heat tape thing really intimidates me. Your help will make it a lot easier for me.

Kudos

[PurplePython]

sorry guys, one more question..

you said that the size of the flexwatt depends on the size of tubs your using.

what size flexwatt should go with each tub? I am planning on making a hatchling rack, jevi/medium rack, and adult rack

what size flexwatt should go with these if I am going for belly heat?

[Sarin]

I say for belly heat, 4" flexwatt will work for all of those tub sizes. My Rack holds adults, hatchlings, and juvies and I use 4" for it all. I am not very good at building anything.. I was very intimidated by the whole flexwatt thing, too. But if you follow the tutorials you will do just fine.

[PurplePython]

I say for belly heat, 4" flexwatt will work for all of those tub sizes. My Rack holds adults, hatchlings, and juvies and I use 4" for it all. I am not very good at building anything.. I was very intimidated by the whole flexwatt thing, too. But if you follow the tutorials you will do just fine.

thanks man! thats the main thing I needed to know. Thank you all for helping

[Sarin]

No problem.