Heat tape questions

[VAbratgirl]

Quick question:

what kind of shelving can you use heat tape on? and also, can you use it under plastic (rubbermaid) tubs? And lastly, where the heck do you get heat tape? I can't find it anywhere. I'm guessing i'm not looking in the right place!

Thanks so much!

April

 

[Simon]

I use heat tapes on rubbermaid and sterilite boxes. Mainly Sterilite boxes because they look better (at least from what I think)

But Sterilite and Rubbermaid is around the same, same price too.

Just use a rheostat to control the amount of heat given out to the heat tapes. They work great!

You can get them from www.beanfarm.com

 

[Tim Madsen]

There are several place online that sell it. Try a google search for flex watt heat tape. Animal Jungle in VA Beach might have it.

 

[CornCrazy]

Bush Herp Supply has it...
http://www.bushherp.com/heating.html

 

[tschofie]

Watch out...

Be careful, though, I don't believe you're supposed to use heat
tape, or any kind of heating, when the rubbermaids or other
containers are resting on a particle board or treated wood
shelf. The glues and binders release toxins when
heated... though I am not sure at what temperature they
start to do so. You might be just fine, but I'm not sure. Anyone
have more info?

Cheers,
TS

 

[CornCrazy]

Wood and particle board...

... get too hot also and are more likely to catch on fire. If you are going to use heat tape in a rack system, then build your rack out of melamine coated board. It costs more, but it is worth the expense. It is very easy to clean, too!

 

[bmm]

hmm

I don't understand why wood would catch fire. I can see particle board but straight plywood catching fire? If properly controlled the heat tape really shouldn't have to go above 85-90 and if that is being done how would the wood burn? The sun is burning down on wood stacked in my backyard all summer long and it got much hotter than 90 degrees a few days this summer.

????
I am just asking because I have a rack made from plywood and I am going to be installing the heat tape tomorrow or so, and many people I spoke to said wood doesn't even burn at 90 degrees so as long as my rheostat controls it I am fine.

bmm
P.S. as for off-gassing I am not really worried about that seeing as I could do something for the wood offgassing but I cant do anything about the million things in my home off gassing. So I just let the wood "age" a little. Just like the off gassing stuff in my house.

 

[CornCrazy]

I know of someone who used wood, and it caught on fire. Maybe he didn't have the heat controlled well enough...I'm not sure. Supposedly, over time, the wood is dried out by the constant heat being applied to it and then it catches on fire. I am not sure how long this can take, but I personally didn't want to take any chances so I made my rack from melamine.

 

[bmm]

hmm

Thanks for the info...

I would think he did not have it properly controlled. I am using ESU Reptile Rheostat to control heat. I also built my iguanas cage out of 6 ply plywood and her hot spot is 100-110 for the past few years and I haven't had a single fire/burn mark yet.

I am not challanging you though ! I think for the hobbyist who won't be putting out the money for a nice temp controller, proper heat elements etc....they should definitly use something other than wood.

But for me, its just not logical to make my racks from melamine. Its heavy, and it "off gasses" just as bad as plywood. Although like I have mentioned I believe off gassing is "over rated" and people get a little to worried about nothing. I just can't imagine making all my racks from melamine as its so hard to work with, and move around the snake room. But in any case! Thanks for the info.

bmm