Using Heat Tape for a Tub Rack?

[AKA Dave]

I am currently working on building a steralite tub rack for my 4 yearlings that will also be able to house future hatchlings. I will be putting them in 28qt tubs currently but I plan to move the two females into 41 qt tubs in the future with additional 12 qt tubs for hatchlings. I have been having a hard time finding the answers for what width and where to place the heat tape. I am uncertain if at 6" width heat tape on the wall side of the length of each tub will be sufficient, or if I should place a 3" strip of tape underneath the same side instead. Would the wall mounted tape work for all sizes? Would the 3" under tank strips not provide enough of a gradient for the 12qt tubs? Any suggestions or personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps I can help. At least I can tell you what I use with the racks that I build. Short answer is....It depends. I have clients that request back heat, and some that request belly heat. Both work just fine for every day use. For hatchlings, I always use 3" belly heat, but that gets away from your question I think. For the 28qt tubs like you are using, I use 12" tape for back heat, and 6" heat tape for heat. I just find the results better and more consistent over the run of the tape than 4".

The back heat is just that, and is placed on the back wall of the rack.

For belly heat I place it toward the rear of the shelf, under the last 1/3 of the footprint of the tub and woven from shelf to shelf so you have one continuous piece. Use good aluminum tape to hold it in place. If it's properly regulated with a thermostat (as all heating elements should be) it will provide a nice hot spot, and a nice cool side to the tub.

Hope that helps and good luck with the build.

Dave