heating questions

[KORBIN5895]

I plan on building a stack of two to three enclosures. The dims will be 48" x 24" x 15"-18" (L X D x H). It will be either melamine or plywood with sliding glass doors. I am thinking about using heat tape on the wooden bottom then putting a piece of glass or Plexiglas over it and sealing the edges. My only concern is I know nothing about heat tape. Can you guys recommend what width and wattage to go with? These will be for adult bci.

[lady_bug87]

I thought about doing the same and then I saw the thread about building acrylic vivs the cost isn't much different as far as I can tell. I'll be using regular UTH pads and LED strips for a photo period. They're also lighter weight and no sealant

[KORBIN5895]

I an kinda worried about heat retention is why I am going wooden.

[lady_bug87]

I thought about that but I figure adding sufficient vents and using an LED that emits low heat should take care of that

[Norm66]

I would go with the 11" wide. I really, really wish I'd gone with the 11" wide on my rack. I have two of the 3" wide strips thinking I could only use one during the summer but I really think the 11" would have been better. I might replace it come tax time. I'd still have the 3" wide for future projects.

[Gungirl]

I did it in mine with the 11" and it worked great. I sealed it with plexi and aquarium sealant. However if you need heat for overall ambiant temp as well as a hot spot I recommend going with an RHP instead.

[KORBIN5895]

Rhp are a little put of budget right now.

[Gungirl]

I hear you. I had just the flexwatt set up for my Royal and the temp in my house is only 60-65f his ambiant temp was near 75f with his flexwatt set to 88f. My vivs are Oak wood 4ft L x 2ft D x 18" H . So if you use only flexwatt and keep the room warmer you should be ok. That is why I added the RHP and now that I have the RHP I don't need the flexwatt at all.