If the tape is affecting the heat tape getting hot then you could possibly have defective heat tape? I haven't heard anything like that before but I guess anything is possible.
I generally set my thermostat to 93-94 and that gives me 89 inside the tubs. My rack system was built by Chris(C Serpents). I would honestly contact the person you got it from just to ask questions as he may have some insight that we cannot offer.
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