Building 2 new racks- Flexwatt questions

[krinklebearcat]

It's time to expand! I'm building 2 racks, 1 with 41 qt tubs, primarily for colubrids, and 1 with 74 qt tubs, for adult female bps. I think I've got construction all figured out, but I have some flexwatt questions:

Should I go with flexwatt running up the back and/or sides, or underneath the tubs? Most of the videos/posts I've seen about it seem to suggest underneath is better, anyone like having it on the sides better?

If I go with underneath the tubs, does anyone know of a good video/tutorial about wiring each shelf together? That's the most challenging part of this to me, and I'd imagine it's part of the appeal of going with heat tape up the back/sides. Gotta do what's best for the critters though

Thermostat recommendations are welcome as well!

Thanks in advance, all input is appreciated!

[Skittles1101]

I personally would mount them to the bottom for belly heat.

Here's a decent video on how to wire flexwatt. I know it sounds hard, I'm a 23 y/o female with zero electrical experience and I did it by myself, so I don't think you'll have an issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUZRw...eature=related

To wire it on multiple levels, I cut an extension cord in 4 pieces (for 4 levels). One flexwatt had the plug on one end. On the opposite end I wired it the same exact way except there's no plug on either end, then just made my way up the flexwatt levels. This way they are all a circuit and connected to the same outlet. On the last flexwatt I just used some electrical tape on the "naked" end. I hope this makes sense....

I suggest Herpstat all the way for a thermostat. Good luck!

[iCandiBallPythons]

You can actually run one piece from the top level down to the bottom level. You dont have to separately wire them unless you want to

[krinklebearcat]

You can actually run one piece from the top level down to the bottom level. You dont have to separately wire them unless you want to

I can't picture how that would work for a rack with ~8 shelves. Any images or videos of what that looks like? I assume it would require having paneling along the side? I was planning on just using 2x4s for the supports without covering the rest, but I may have to reconsider.

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

I can't picture an adult female bp needing anything bigger than a 41qt tub.

[krinklebearcat]

I can't picture an adult female bp needing anything bigger than a 41qt tub.

I realize 74qt is larger than what's conventional, just a personal preference I guess. I'm not the only one who does it

[mtc07d]

I really don't want to thread jack but I too had questions about flexwatt. I just built a rack out of the plastic shelving units found at Lowes/Home Depot. I was just wondering the best way to attach the flexwatt to the plastic shelves. From what I read I understand that foil taping the edges directly to the shelf will suffice but just wanted to make sure. Of course it will be hooked up to a reliable thermostat but the idea of heat tape on plastic makes me nervous haha. I am switching from tanks to tubs (collection is growing) so the flexwatt thing is new to me.

** Also, the thermostat probe should be taped directly to the flexwatt tape correct? Thanks in advance!

[Jonas@Balls2TheWall]

I realize 74qt is larger than what's conventional, just a personal preference I guess. I'm not the only one who does it

Gotcha

[krinklebearcat]

I'll add another question. I've read that 11in flexwatt can be dangerous if for some reason there's a thermostat failure. Is it better to go with the 4in for a 74 qt tub? 1 row or 2 per shelf?

Thanks for the link and explanation LGray, really helpful