Heat tape

Wolfus_305 · 04-07-11, 08:49 PM

Hi everybody,

so I am looking into getting some new snakes, ball pythons (they are SO addictive) and I heard about heat tape.

I have found some enclosures that I like (but am debating size still.
option 1: 48"L x 24"W x 16"H
option 2: 48"L x 24"W x 12"H )

Could somebody give me an overview of how heat tape works? the cages i'm looking at do not have it pre-installed and i've never used it or met anybody that does. How do you know how much you need to maintain your temps? Do you need to use a thermostat with it or does it just plug in?

any tips/comments would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Kendra

stephanbakir · 04-07-11, 08:52 PM

Wish i had used it so i could help, if the heat tape doesn't come with a thermostat i'd add one for sure.

Wolfus_305 · 04-07-11, 08:54 PM

Point noted. thank you

Just a little addition to my question(s) above:
so if i get the heat tape and a thermostat will one thermostat be able to control the two cages?

stephanbakir · 04-07-11, 08:56 PM

Some thermostats can, some cant.

Wolfus_305 · 04-08-11, 09:57 AM

hmm ok, i've done some more research. some websites are saying to put the heat tape on the inside of the cage, while others are saying to put it on the outside...

if it's on the inside isn't it like a heat mat and the snake could get burned? but if it's on the outside isn't it a "fire hazard"? (to use my dads words)

I appreciate any tips, websites or advice you guys can give me, i've never used heat tape before

stephanbakir · 04-08-11, 10:39 AM

It really depends on the product in question, if you give us a link to the product in question we might be able to better answer your question.

Jenn_06 · 04-08-11, 10:47 AM

ok if your talking about flexwatt Flexwatt Heat Tape you put it under the cage not in the cage and you need a thermostat like Ranco Ranco ETC-111000 Pre Wired - Reptile Basics Inc you can use it for more the one cage but they are going to be around the same temp. i use herpstat pro because i have snakes that need different temp and the herpstat will let me control 4 different temps.

hope that helps a little.

Wolfus_305 · 04-08-11, 10:58 AM

Thanks, that actually helped a lot

Is there some way to know how much tape you need to heat your cage?

and yes, i'm thinking about flexwatt, i have a bulb in my other tank and was thinking of trying something new

Jay · 04-08-11, 11:04 AM

sorry off topic are you still looking for a new home for you carpet ?

Jenn_06 · 04-08-11, 11:10 AM

how big it the cage and what kind of snake are you going to put in it?

Wolfus_305 · 04-08-11, 11:10 AM

ahah off topic is fine, i'm usually the one who gets everybody off topic.
Nope, I thought you wanted her, so i stopped looking.... i think i clicked the sold it button in the classifieds. is something wrong?

Wolfus_305 · 04-08-11, 11:11 AM

Hi Jenn

I am getting two ball pythons. I am considering two tank sizes:
option 1: 48"L x 24"W x 16"H
option 2: 48"L x 24"W x 12"H )

but then i heard that 36L would be fine as well (even for the female, because I am pretty sure females are larger than males)

Jay · 04-08-11, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfus_305

ahah off topic is fine, i'm usually the one who gets everybody off topic.
Nope, I thought you wanted her, so i stopped looking.... i think i clicked the sold it button in the classifieds. is something wrong?

everything is good lol just figured if you wanted more snakes you didnt wat to get rid of one lol
i just finished staining her cage and i now have one big empty cage

Jenn_06 · 04-08-11, 11:16 AM

so you housing one or two snakes in the tank.

i have a 36L for my smaller boas and i use 1ft of the 11' flexwatt for the 48L i would use the same.

Wolfus_305 · 04-08-11, 11:16 AM

Aahah I am still getting rid of her. I can't care for her properly because she's way too aggressive for me. I don't have the experience yet that I would need to deal with her.
I'm sure she'll like her cage

I'm trying to figure out how to get her in her travel box to bring her to you. :P