Sticking a UTH onto my tub?

[PitOnTheProwl]

From what I've read, Flexwatt recommends duct tape over foil due to the risk of foil creating a short

Uhm yeah no, not IF it is properly insulated at the cut and soldered ends.

Properly functioning heat tape should never come even close to hot enough to ignite duct tape.

Its actually a proper thermostat that prevents the heat source from getting hot enough to do any type of damage. I have seen everything from minor burns on snakes to melted tubs and cooked snakes.