It could work but aluminum tends to heat up more rapidly and more uniformly than steel. It will hold the heat but will also transfer the heat along the length of the shelf/area you're heating, making it harder to localize the heat source, if that makes sense. Basically if you're trying to heat one end of your tub, you stand a good chance of heating the entire tub if you're using an aluminum rack, depending on the alloy of the material. I'd say set it up and give it a shot but just keep an eye on the temps on the entire shelf as opposed to just the area that has the heat tape or cable attached, as you might end up unintentionally heating the entire area, rather than creating the thermal gradient effect. Good luck and hope it works out!
Reply With Quote