Heat cable?

[DireWolf0384]

I want to build a Rack Setup and have a idea but need more help with it. I want to get a metal wire rack and buy heat cable and run Heat Cable on the metal shelves and use plastic ties to secure the cable to the rack. The only thing I am unsure of is can I use the heat cable to heat all my scorp species and can heat cable be used to heat plastic containers safely. I want to get at least 20 feet of heat cable. Also, could I safely heat deli containers with heat cable? How can I use a Thermostat if I am using one heat cable for multiple enclosures?

 

[jayefbe]

I'd use flexwatt heat tape instead of heat cable. It'll cover more area and it's surface temperature won't be so high. You could take heat tape (3 or 4 inch) and run it halfway up the back side of a shelf.

 

[Mvskokee]

I'd use flexwatt heat tape instead of heat cable. It'll cover more area and it's surface temperature won't be so high. You could take heat tape (3 or 4 inch) and run it halfway up the back side of a shelf.

Agreed 100% This is what i am working on too.

 

[DireWolf0384]

But I don't want something that I have to make myself. I'm not lazy I just want something less complicated and easy to take apart if need be. Whats all involved in using heat tape?

 

[Mvskokee]

You can order heat tape ready to plug in.

 

[DireWolf0384]

You can order heat tape ready to plug in.

Where? Can you post a link?

 

[jayefbe]

Heat tape is pretty easy.

http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?p_id=16001&xm=on

Read the pdf links provided there. You do need a thermostat, to safely heat enclosures.

 

[Mvskokee]

Heat tape is pretty easy.

http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?p_id=16001&xm=on

Read the pdf links provided there. You do need a thermostat, to safely heat enclosures.

Just thought i would add that even with heat cable he will need a thermostat to monitor the heat with any accuracy. I have a website that will hook flexwatt up for free but I freakin forgot the name!:evil: Its reptile something. I will try and find out.

 

[Mvskokee]

http://www.reptilebasics.com/flexwatt-heat-tape/

There ya go.

 

[DireWolf0384]

The reason I want to use Heating Cables is that you can easily bend it and I could essentially heat multiple shelves with it. It can be easily taken apart. The only thing is, how would I use a Thermostat with it? I have one heat lamp for all my cages and its not working out.I saw a guy at the reptile show today with used heat cables and he used plastic ties to fasten it to a wire shelf.

 

[Mvskokee]

Imo heat cable isn't very reliable. I hate using it I don't think its heat is consistent. If you do want to use any type of heat tape/cable all you have to do is plug it into a thermostat and set the temps to what you wanting. I have used a few analog thermos that work great but aren't as accurate as digital. All you have to do with the analog is some trial and error and you can get it pretty close. Most thermostats are on off type except for a few proportional ones. Proportional ones monitor heat by adjusting the wattage where on off just heat until the desired temp then turn off and then turn back on when the temp drops.

analog
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...e-1000-watt-electronic-thermostat-with-probe/

Proportional
http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat.html

 

[DireWolf0384]

I have a stupid question. What is the probe for? If it takes the temp of just one enclosure, how is that going to manage the temp of multiple enclosures. I'll have 2 10 Gallon Tanks, one 5.5 Gallon Tank, a Kitter Keeper, some deli cups and some rubbermaid containers and possibly more tanks with dividers.

 

[Mvskokee]

You would only be able to heat the whole thing to a certain tmep. It wouldn't do individual cages unless you wanna buy a expeeensive one. Which still only does like 4 cages. The probe is the sensor to tell the termostat what temp the tape or where ever you put it is at

 

[DireWolf0384]

You would only be able to heat the whole thing to a certain tmep. It wouldn't do individual cages unless you wanna buy a expeeensive one. Which still only does like 4 cages. The probe is the sensor to tell the termostat what temp the tape or where ever you put it is at

So whats the probe for? I want to use the Alife cause its affordable. The Herpstat is too expensive at this point.

 

[Mvskokee]

The probe is the sensor that tells the thermostat what the temperature is.

 

[DireWolf0384]

The probe is the sensor that tells the thermostat what the temperature is.

So I put it in one of the Tanks and it should set the rest of the cages to roughly the same temp? I think this should work then. Also, with heat tape, how would I attach it to a wire shelf with multiple levels needing heat? Does it bend?

 

[Mvskokee]

Are the shelves removable? If so you could run one big piece down the back. Uses aluminum tape to stick it to the shelf.

 

[DireWolf0384]

Are the shelves removable? If so you could run one big piece down the back. Uses aluminum tape to stick it to the shelf.

No they are not. I'll try and get a pic up here tonight.

 

[DireWolf0384]

The whole reason I wanted to use heat cable was we have to move in a couple months and I want something I don't have to really mess with and its more flexible.

 

[jayefbe]

Heat tape is simple. You set it up, tape it down, and leave it. I have snake racks all set up with heat tape. When I need to move, I just haul the whole rack with heat tape still attached. Considering the wiring, taping, thermostat and everything else...heat tape is only marginally more difficult than heat cable and much more effective.