The ambient temp has nothing to do with the heat tape. The heat tape is a hot spot only. The ambient temp would have to be much lower then 70 before the heat tape couldn't get to temp. 11" heat tape with 32 qt tubs? That would cover half the bottom. I asked earlier what is the heat tape watt and what is the temp on the heat tape. You have to have a heat gun to setup thermostats. A heat gun as far as I am concerned should be the first thing purchased before you even get a snake.