Flex-Watt Heat tape placement

[Redleg]

So I just bought some Flex Watt heat tape and using it for the first time:

What is the best placement for it?
Inside the cage or outside under the cage (acrylic cage)?

Thanks!
-Sean

 

[Ga_herps]

First get a thermostat (heat tape can be deadly if not controlled by a temperature controlling device). if you bought it with the connectors and insulators then attach them according to the instructions. We do not use the plastic insulators, but if you prefer them then by all means use them. Another option you can use is to wrap electrical tape to cover all the connecting wires that are exposed at the end of the heat tape. Make sure that all exposed connectors are covered in electrical tape(you don't want to get shocked). Also at the end of the tape length make sure a piece of tape is covering the ends where the to lines of metal are. You can place it under the cage, but make sure that only a 3rd of the cage is over the heat tape(usually the back 3 to 6 inches of the cage depending on size of cage). Plug the heat tape into the thermostat and set it to 92. Make sure the probe is either on top of the tape and under the cage if its a small probe or you can place it inside the cage right on the cage floor over the tape. Either way you want to make sure that the probe is over the heat source as close as possible. We tape are probes to the heat tape in the racks to make sure they don't move after proper placement. Now let the heat tape heat up and once 20 minutes have passed use a temp gun to see what the temp is in the basking spot(please leave the gecko out of the cage during the process). If its too high or too low move the knob on the thermostat until you get it to the right temp. (ours stay around 92 degrees). Once the right hot spot is achieved place the gecko in the cage and let him bask away.

 

[Redleg]

Thanks for the great reply. I will have most of what you have already mentioned. I do not have any leos in the cage yet, just taking my time to get this set up right before setting a leo in the cage.

Wouldn't placing the heat tape below the cage reduce its heat transfer into the cage? I have an acrylic cage, I believe it does a pretty good job in absorbing heat......would enough heat make it into the cage? Of course the plan is to place the temperature probe inside the cage at the bottom where the heat source will be.

 

[Ga_herps]

It would dissipate some heat if its on the bottom of the cage, but with the thermostat you can increase the heat until that hot spot on the inside is just perfect. Just after you change a setting wait atleast 20 minutes and see what the temps are.

 

[Redleg]

Thanks! I am waiting for a few items to arrive this week and then its time to plug it in and get the temp right. No leos yet, just getting it ready and taking my time before I pick up the leos. Taking my time in getting the set up right from the begining.

 

[THE WHISPERER]

No leos yet, just getting it ready and taking my time before I pick up the leos. Taking my time in getting the set up right from the begining.

I can't tell you how nice it is to hear this, I wish your ethics were contagous.

 

[Redleg]

Thanks for the kind words Rick.

Believe it or not, so far I have spent over $500 on housing stuff (so far). Getting ti right.

I have purchased three cages and built two acrylic cages myself (will have to post photos later). All will have at least THREE thermometers per cage: One on the heat tape, second on the hot side, third will be on the cool side. Is this an over kill?

i figure if I am going to do this, I might as well do this right and spend the $$ now as I will eventually spend it anyways.

And of course....still NO Leos yet. As soon as I have the set up the way I want it, then and only then will they be coming home!

 

[THE WHISPERER]

:main_thumbsup: