I would recommend to have the heat tape running underneath the back on running length wise on one of the side (but that is over-killed and too much surface) you obviously don't want your heat tape on the front and put your water dish in the back as it would make changing water a hassle.
Foil tape is fine.
Main thing to keep in mind is to have some little wiggle room when it comes to space, when assembling place a slim CD case on the top 4 corners of your tub and than place your next shelf, this will prevent rubbing.
As for thermostat you want a quality thermostat that can handle the wattage you will use.
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