I am currently using UTH/lighting with my glass tank so I have little knowledge on RHPs and Flexwatt. My understanding is that Flexwatt heats from the bottom-up and RHPs heat the air. I'm guessing the heat tape is for creating the hot spot? I guess if you could clear some of this up I would greatly appreciate it. Also, is there any particular reason why you choose RHPs over Flexwatt? I noticed on the Animal Plastics website the have an add-on feature for an 11" flexwatt panel which looked rather attractive to a beginner like me.