Making a build and need Spacing and Flexwatt helps

Valvaren · 02-16-14, 01:52 PM

I'm making up plans for a new wooden stacked enclosures my questions are :

1. Will flexwatt be able to heat wood enclosures?

2. How much space will I need between the stacked enclosures for the flexwatt

3. Are there any better alternatives to flexwatt if that wont work with wood enclosures?

Thanks guys!

crum222 · 02-16-14, 02:10 PM

I used flexwatt with a melamine set up. When hooked to a thermostat it just ran and never clicked off, never got hot enough through the wood. Switched to a rhp and I am never going back. There is ways to get the flexwatt to work. But just not as easy.

Mikoh4792 · 02-16-14, 02:10 PM

How thick is the wood?

What snakes are you looking to house?

Valvaren · 02-16-14, 02:14 PM

I'm not sure how thick yet, I wasn't even sure if the flexwatt would work, I'll be housing three different species, ball, boas and BRBS, so i'll be using a high end wood and have everything sealed cause of the BRBs.

mclund · 02-17-14, 07:14 AM

The flexwatt should have at least 1/8 gap below or above. With wood you will have the best results buy building a false back with some small vents to allow the heat to enter the cage. It really is a great product if used correctly.

Valvaren · 02-17-14, 11:01 AM

Do you mean false back in the bottom where the flexwatt is or in the actual back of the enclosure to allow for room temp air flow?

Terranaut · 02-17-14, 11:48 AM

In a wooden enclosure I would go rhp. It is just so easy. Two screws and your done.

mclund · 02-17-14, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valvaren

Do you mean false back in the bottom where the flexwatt is or in the actual back of the enclosure to allow for room temp air flow?

I was talking about the back. Some 1/4" inch spacers and a piece of 1/4" plywood is how I have done it in the past. it could be vented a number of ways. plastic vents, reliefs around the edges. I wouldn't do a false bottom. I would be concerned of any liquids coming in contact with the flexwatt.

DSC03340.jpg
Here is a picture of a cage LarryS. and I built. If you look closely you can see how we vented the sides of our false back. I know you are not looking at this type of cage, but the same principles still apply.

Another option is to route a relief in the cage bottom so the flexwatt has an air gap. If you were using 1/2" material, you could relieve it 1/4". I have seen this done with expanded pvc, but I don't know how much heat will come through the wood. I would suggest testing it first before you build the entire cage.

This is all great info, but I would have to agree with Terranaut. There are easier choices for heating cages, but if you enjoy the building process and have the tools I would not discourage you. I have built a number of different projects using heat tape and it does work well.

Valvaren · 02-17-14, 08:03 PM

Basically what I am hoping to make is a 6 1/2 tall, 4 1/2 feet wide and 29 inch deep cabinet type thing with stacked enclosures inside. If it works out the way I want everyone will have almost 10ft squared feet of room, which should be good for everyone forever going by the rule of 1 ft squared of space for every foot of the animal, so even my ball pythons are getting a very good chunk of room.

How do RHP work? Would they go under the enclosures in the space provided or do they go inside? Do they heat from both sides or just one?

Does anyone have any other tips to go about this? I've been looking at getting a carpenter to do it up for me who doesn't have any experience with reptile enclosures so i'm hoping to get him as much info as I absolutely need. Does anyone know of a good wood I can use and a good sealant to go with it that will withstand the high humidity for the Brazilian Rainbows?

crum222 · 02-17-14, 08:25 PM

You just screw the RHP inside the top of the enclosure and it projects down. Set the thermostat and your good to go.

Terranaut · 02-18-14, 05:39 AM

RHP is top right. 2 screws and plug it into thermostat. Simplest way to heat an enclosure.

Valvaren · 02-18-14, 11:21 AM

And they are okay to use even with low clearance set ups?

sharthun · 02-18-14, 11:44 AM

Love the perches! Great idea! I have 4 rhp's and will never use anything else!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

RHP is top right. 2 screws and plug it into thermostat. Simplest way to heat an enclosure.

Terranaut · 02-18-14, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valvaren

And they are okay to use even with low clearance set ups?

You can touch them with your bare hand while they are full on.
Very very safe to use.

Valvaren · 02-18-14, 12:18 PM

Okay awesome, thanks guys, that seriously fixes one of my biggest issue. Does anyone have any ideas on the wood and sealant I can use for the high humidity of the Brbs?