Foil tape under flexwatt??

[Steve-J]

Is it a good idea to put a layer of foil tape down under the flexwatt? I have seen this recommended (not here but on youtube) and I just want to hear your thoughts.thanks. Also if anyone with racks/tubs could have a look at my other thread I would appreciate it. Any advice/info is welcome http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-tubs-in-rack

[RetiredJedi]

I put foil tape under my flexwatt as a way of reflecting heat upwards.

[ballpythonluvr]

When my boyfriend built our rack he put foil tape under the flexwatt.

[Steve-J]

Thanks! I'll be installing it tonite and now I can proceed with confidence.

[Shadera]

Never heard of putting it under, but I do put it over to protect the tape from tub rubbing.

[RichsBallPythons]

Never heard of putting it under, but I do put it over to protect the tape from tub rubbing.

The flexwatt should never be 100% covered. As if you were to take a reading with a temp gun of the surface under the tape you will be amazed how HOT it is. And the rubbing of tub over flexwatt will not wear it down over night if at all.


Only ever tape the edges down, I did this as an experiment and the flexwatt got to hot to the touch.


As for the tape under it will be fine. I prefer not to as the flexwattwill head the shelve in that spot causing heat under in the next tub below adding more ambient heat

[Steve-J]

Ok, I was already planning on taping the edges down (without covering it). I think I will go ahead and put a layer of foil tape underneath too cuz the temps do fluctuate in this room and the boards are 3/4"melamine so I know it can handle the extra heat. Thanks!

[Simple Man]

I'm with Rich on this one. I just tape the edges but I'm SUPER careful to lay it perfectly flat. Any wrinkle at all and I redo the piece of foil tape. I like my tubs fitting tight and I've never had an issues with tape or flexwatt rubbing.

Regards,

B

[Shadera]

For clarification, the tape I spoke of is on top of the flex at the leading edge. My tubs in that rack were super tight, and it helped to slide the tubs over that front edge rather than snagging on it as they did otherwise. That first batch of tubs I used had square raised spots un their undersides at the corners. It didn't hurt anything to be on there, and the back edge was free to move a bit so no heat built up underneath. I no longer use the rack, but it served me well for about two years.

I've since gone to recessing the flexwatt with a router in the shelves if it's not already done when I've bought the rack and don't put anything over or under it.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I just tape down all four edges. I do tend to do two or three layers on the front edge to be safe. (Same here: if it is not flat I redo it, helps with two people)
My racks are a little on the loose side but I keep the lids on my tubs too.