applying heat tape to shelves

[latazyo]

I just bought 4 feet of heat tape and I"m planning on putting it on top of my shelf

since I obviously can't put the rubbermaids directly on the tape, I'm goign to space them about 1/8" above the tape

is that enough?

I know people recommend routering out a 4" groove to put the tape in, but I hasve absolutely no access to any tools of that nature, but I can't imagine they router any deeper than 1/8"

is 1/8" enough space or will I melt the rubbermaids and burn my place down

[Invictus]

If you're using heat tape, a dimmer is MANDATORY. Such being the case, there is no reason at all why you can't put the rubbermaids directly over it. Just adjust it until you get the temp you want. Using heat tape uncontrolled is suicide - it can get over 150 degrees F *gasp*

[Auskan]

The most important thing is to have the heat tape on a rheostat to control the temps. If its hot enough to melt the plastic, its way too hot for your herps. I would think you could put the rubbermaids directly on the heat tape even without a routered out groove, as long as the temp is controlled on a rheostat, but I haven't done it myself so maybe someone else can give more info on that.

Edit: Oops, guess Invictus and I were typing at the same time.

[jjnnbns]

I think he's gonna put it on a rheostat (dimmer) but the question seems to be about airflow, as that is needed for heat tape. Otherwise if it is pinned between the shelf and the rubbermaids, would the lack of airflow hinder the way the heat tape works?

[Auskan]

Hmmm...sorry I missed that part of the question. As I said, I'm no expert, but if it was in a routered groove with a rubbermaid sitting over it, it wouldn't have any more airflow than without the groove, would it?

[jjnnbns]

Yep, the 1/8" gap between the rubbermaid and the heat tape which would be sitting in the routered 'trench' would allow for airflow, as compared to the rubbermaid wedged directly over the heat tape.

[Auskan]

I guess it depends on the tubs you're using too. The sweaterbox sized sterilite tubs that I am using for my juvi corns don't have a completely flat base. I.e. the outside is the lowest point, but then the rest of the base is raised up a little, which would form an airflow pocket even if it was sitting directly on the tape.

[Invictus]

I personally don't think the heat tape requires "air flow". I don't know why people think this. There is nothing on the surface of the heat tape that requires oxygen in order to work properly. Heat does not depend on oxygen either. In fact, I would think that depriving it of oxygen makes it less likely to catch on fire. :)

Anyway, I've seen tonnes of rack systems that use heat tape, the rubbermaids sit directly on top of them, and it gets too hot, simply turn it down. It's nnot a question of air flow, it's a question about temperature control.

[Auskan]

Thanks Invictus. I couldn't see myself why they would *require* air flow, but I'm also not that knowledgeable about electrical stuff, so I appreciate you clearing that up for me.

[Linds]

Originally posted by Auskan
I would think you could put the rubbermaids directly on the heat tape even without a routered out groove, as long as the temp is controlled on a rheostat, but I haven't done it myself so maybe someone else can give more info on that.

Depending on the type of rack system you are using it may be done. If you want a fitted rack where the tubs slide in and out you will have to find a way to seal all the edges down smoothly so they do not get caught on the edges of the tubs being slid back and forth. You will not be able to have a tight fit which may present escape problems for small, slender snakes. The main reason for routering out a groove is to allow some airflow for heat to escape as well to provide the tubs with a smooth access to slide. Heat tape can be used without a great deal of airflow however.

[Invictus]

Good point Linds, you don't want the tubs snagging the tape as you slide them in to the rack. Simply applying electrical tape to the entire edge of the heat tape (which is pretty wise anyway) can prevent this.

[latazyo]

alright guys...of course it doesn't need airflow, but all i've read on the site and on sites where you buy it is that it needs it so that there's no fire hazard

and I have a thermostat to control the temps

and the enclsures DO have a little upward dip in them so only the edges will be touching the tape

the rubbermaids will have their factory lids secured with S hooks

[mykee]

You don't need airflow. I recently built a large rack, and routering the 'groove' would have taken weeks, so I laid it right on top of teh melamine, and then the rubbermaids right on top of that, everything will be fine as long as you use a rheostat. I adhere my heat tape to my rack using aluminum foil tape, it's very thin so it won't catch on the lip of the rubbermaids as you pull them in and out. It's also very sticky, so it won't peel up. Good luck.