Flexwatt Question

[SnakeKB]

I got my rack setup done and im going to have 8 shelves with Flexwatt and a Thermostat (Herpstat). Whats the best way to run the power to the Flexwatt? Use a surge protector and run a power cord to each shelf of Flexwatt? Or could i daisy chain wire each strip of flexwatt from shelf to shelf and just use one plug to control all 8 shelves? How does everyone do theres?

[DeadLegs]

I've got a home built rack and when I did the flexwatt, I used the so called "daisy chain" method you speak of. Works quite well. There is no problem with each shelf's strip of the tape heating to the same temp as all others.

[SnakeKB]

Thanks for the quick reply. Are all your strips of tape the same length and width from shelf to shelf? I was gonna use the 11" wide stuff but they would end up being different lengths from shelf to shelf because of different size containers, would that throw the thermostat control off at all?

[DeadLegs]

No, it won't throw off the thermostat but using 11" with however many different sizes you're using tub-wise would create an issue with allowing the animal to go from hot side to cool side in order to thermo-regulate. best recommendation, stick with the 3-4" tape and put it at the back of each shelf. this will allow a better heat gradient for them.