Thanks a lot that is kind of where i am going with mine.I am going to have it fully enclose though (except the front) i figure it would hold the heat better. I am also going to be putting toggle switches in line with the different levels of heat tape so that i can turn off levels not in use (no point in heating those). I really want to get rid of the lids for these tubs so my gapping is going to be a tad tighter. Thanks again.