Thoughts on Heat Rope?

[Edwin]

I am going to build a rack system soon, and I was thinking of using heat rope. Is anyone here using it, and what are your thoughts on it?

Also, what are prices like?

Thanks in advance.

[Invictus]

I assume you're talking about the heat rope that is used to prevent pipes from freezing...

That's what I plan to use, but there are a couple of problems with the stuff I saw at Home Depot. For one, it has a sensor that you have to cut off, because it will only activate at -40C. Second, you NEED to hook it up to a rheostat if you're using it for a rack. It gets quite hot. Too hot for a rubbermaid.

[Edwin]

Actually, I was thinking of reptile heat rope...

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Pages/Product/Big_Apples_Flexible_Heat_Rope_119500.html

From what I understand, they come in standard lengths and cannot be cut or trimmed to size.

[vanderkm]

I have purchased some and am using it for undertank for hatchling racks and it is great - flexible, safe (CSA approved), easy to install (I have it running back and forth in two rows that provide a hot spot up to 90 degrees on the floor of the tubs - have to use a rheostat to keep it below that). We brought it up from Big Apple but I understand that Port Credit stocks it. It was expensive to bring in from US, between exchange and taxes, but we wanted to try it - I don't recall the actual costs. So far it is working really well,

mary v.

[alex_33]

Looks like a great idea, But what wattage would you need for a colubrid rack?

[Edwin]

Thanks for the info, Mary. I am probably going to buy it from Port Credit, just to avoid paying duties from the US. How long have you been using it, and do you have any pics?

Alex, I think the wattage is not really essential, what is more important is the length you require, since it cannot be cut or resized.

[Invictus]

If it's actually CSA approved, I think I'll be buying it BULK. :)

[Invictus]

Yeah, Port Credit has it, it's listed as $39.99, but it doesn't say what length it is. Besides, if you click on "buy", the confirmation page says it's a Tetra Heat pad. Grant is a member of this forum, isn't he?

GRANT! I FOUND A BUG ON YOUR SITE! :)

[Edwin]

Yup, it should be CSA approved, because it comes with a power connector, and there is no assembly required, unlike heat tape.

[Edwin]

I did a quick search on ssnakess, and here are 2 other threads on heat rope:

Heat rope warning (basically, do not fold, bend staple or mutilate it)
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16567&highlight=heat+rope

Heat rope general information
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15508&highlight=heat+rope