Adhesive heat tape is applied directly to the reptile’s enclosure, and then the reptile is placed on top of the tape. Non-adhesive heat tape is placed underneath the reptile’s enclosure, and the reptile’s body heat activates the tape.
Is heat tape safe for reptiles?
Heat tape is very thin and made of a durable plastic film which makes it ideal for heating reptiles. I have been using heat tape on various racks and cages for over 15 years now with no significant incident. When used properly with a thermostat/rheostat it is a very useful and long lived product.
What is heat tape made of?
Heat tape is very thin and made of a durable plastic film which makes it ideal for heating reptiles. I have been using heat tape on various racks and cages for over 15 years now with no significant incident.
How to use heat tape safely?
Pay special attention to areas of element underneath objects where heat can build up to levels higher than areas exposed to the air. An example of this would be underneath tubs in reptile racks or under caging, seed flats, etc. This is very important for safe and continuous use of heat tape. 5.
What is the difference between heat tape&heat cable?
Heat tape generally generates temperatures in the range of 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but some products can produce temperatures up to 1,400 degrees. Cable vs. Tape: The heat cable you use on your roof -- which usually comes with clips to attach it to the shingles -- is rounded to expose more of its surface area to the surroundings.
How do you attach a heat tape to a reptile?
4:0813:43How To Install DIY Heat Tape For Reptiles - Benjamin's ExoticsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipType thing at the end. Just like that we want to try to slide that directly between the plasticMoreType thing at the end. Just like that we want to try to slide that directly between the plastic material. And the copper on the heat tape. And you want to get it lined up pretty nice with the hole.
How does heat tape work?
You plug one end of the tape into an outlet and spiral-wrap the rest around a pipe. Modern tapes have a built-in thermostat that automatically calls for power (and the resulting heat) as the surrounding temperature drops near freezing and cuts power off as the temperature rises.
Can you leave heat tape plugged in?
Can you leave heat tape plugged in? Modern heat tape can remain plugged in if it has a built-in thermostat. The thermostat automatically turns on the power (and in turn, heat) when the temperature drops to freezing and turns it back off when the temperature rises.
Can you leave a reptile heat mat on all the time?
One benefit to using heat panels and pads is that they can be left on 24 hours a day, providing a constant source of heat for your reptiles.
How can I tell if heat tape is working?
0:387:33Is my Heat Tape Working? How Do I know? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's easy to grab hold of a tape. And feel it's working feel that it's warmer than the ambient.MoreIt's easy to grab hold of a tape. And feel it's working feel that it's warmer than the ambient.
At what temp does heat tape work?
Lower power densities and temperatures, with maximum temperatures ranging from 150°F to 500°F, and including low-intensity cables well suited for freeze prevention. Higher power densities and temperatures, ranging from tapes with a maximum of 305° up to very-high-temperature tapes rated for up to 1400°F (760°C).
When should heat tape be turned off?
In warmer months when there is no snow on the roof, turn heat tape off at the breaker switch or unplug it. Do not rely on built-in thermostats to make sure heat tape is not operating. drains that run through the wall of a home or garage. Leave these sections on 24/7.
What is better than heat tape?
Heating Blankets Bolster Safety and Efficiency Heating blankets are much more effective than heat tape at keeping pipes warm.
How often should you replace heat tape?
three yearsHeat tapes can only last for three years because they are always exposed to water and electricity, and so you should replace them at least every three years.
How do you heat a reptile when the power goes out?
3:255:19Caring For Reptiles During A Power Outage!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother thing you can try is if your reptiles cage is in quite an open room take it to a smallerMoreAnother thing you can try is if your reptiles cage is in quite an open room take it to a smaller room as it should generally hold heat a little better.
Do reptiles need heat at night?
Many captive reptiles do fine with a slight temperature drop at night (that is what many experience in the wild). Many reptile care sheets recommend a night time or minimum temperature. A slight gradient can still be provided, again to let the reptile choose where it wants to be.
Where should a reptile heat mat be placed?
Heat Mats for Reptile Vivariums Although they have traditionally been used on the floor of the vivarium under the substrate, this can be dangerous and increases the risk of burning to the animal. These days we advocate the much safer method of mounting the heat mat vertically on the side of the vivarium.
Can pipes freeze even with heat tape?
By installing heat tape around a vulnerable pipe, he says, “you can make sure that, no matter the weather, the pipe never reaches the freezing point.” The only tricky part is the timing: “Heat tape isn't going to work unless you have it installed before the temperatures plummet.”
Does heat tape feel warm to the touch?
If the Heat Cable Kit is installed correctly, the light in the plug will be on and the cable should be warm to the touch. You can also test the cable to know if it is working properly. Plug in the cable and wrap a bag of ice around the thermostat block and after 20 minutes, the cable should feel warm to the touch.
What's the difference between heat tape and heat cable?
Heat trace cable is somewhat stiff, but it's pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heating tape is extremely flexible, therefore it's better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
What is better than heat tape?
Heating Blankets Bolster Safety and Efficiency Heating blankets are much more effective than heat tape at keeping pipes warm.
What is heat tape?
Heat tape is a thin laminate material that can be cut with any good quality scissor. The element that we sell has been specifically chosen for reptile rack and cage use and can be cut to almost any length. MAKE SURE THE ELEMENT IS UNPLUGGED WHEN TRIMMING! Sorry, I had to say it.
How long should heat tape be?
It is recommended you keep your heat tape runs at a maximum length of under 40 feet in length for the 3", 4" and 6" heat tape, under 25 feet when using the 12" heat tape and under 10 feet for the 21" heat tape. Remember- these are considered maximums, it is wise to stay below them.
How many watts does a reptile thermostat use?
Most thermostats used for reptiles are rated for 500-1500 watts. The 12" heat tape is 23 watts per foot and a 500 watt thermostat will safely run around 18 feet total, a 1000 watt thermostat around 36 feet total. Use the 3" tape at 4 watts per foot and that same 500 watt thermostat will run 90 feet total, a 1000 watt thermostat about 180 feet total. The 4" heat tape is 6 watts per foot and we recommend no more than 80 feet and 160 feet total respectively.
Why is my heat tape not getting hot?
Because you are not really sure how hot your heat tape is really getting, especially in a cooler room. With the probe on the heat tape you KNOW that your heat tapes actual temp is controlled. If you still can't get up to temperature then you need to consider a warmer room.
What is THGHEAT heating element?
Reptile Basics sells the THGHeat brand of heating element. The THG element was designed for reptile use from the start, unlike others that are crossovers from the floor heating industry. Along each side of the heat tape is a copper foil strip that conducts electricity to the black lines in the tape that make up the heating element. Heat tape is very thin and made of a durable plastic film which makes it ideal for heating reptiles. I have been using heat tape on various racks and cages for over 15 years now with no significant incident. When used properly with a thermostat/rheostat it is a very useful and long lived product. The key is proper set up and use.
Does the belly heat rack know the temperature?
But if I place the probe on the heat tape with my belly heat rack I won't know the temp in the tub, Right? Yes and no. True, your thermostat will not know the temp in the tub over the heat tape (basking area) but you will. Generally the heat tape will be warmer than the temperature in the tub.
Do I need a thermostat for heat tape?
Do I really need to use a thermostat? In a word, YES! Heat tape will last much longer and be much safer for you and your animals if it is used properly and safely. The manufacturer of heat tape indicates it should never be used without a thermostat or rheostat to control its temperature.
What happens if you use metal tape?
6. If using element in contact with any metal surface, the metal surface must be grounded. A shock hazard can exist as well as the possibility of induced voltage. If using metallic (aluminum) tape to fasten element do not overlap any of the electrical areas in the element- black conductive bars or copper buss bars.
Is heat tape sold by the foot?
The quantity specified is in feet. Heat tape is sold by the foot only.
Is there a warranty on heat tape?
No warranty is offered on heat tape by RBI or the manufacturer. The end user is responsible for all installations and use
Can you mix thermostat elements?
5. Do not mix sizes or wattages of element on one thermostat or thermostat zone. This will produce haphazard and possibly dangerous results for you and your animals
How long is a heat cable for reptiles?
The Reptile Systems range comes in three popular sizes: 15w Heat Cable which has a total length of 3.3m, 50w Heat Cable which is 6.0m long and a 100w Heat Cable measuring 10.0m.
What does a heater cable do for an aquarium?
This serves two functions; it warms the roots of plants, promoting healthy plant growth, but it also heats the aquarium as well. It will provide a nice even heat along the full length of the cable, very efficiently. Heat cables work very well in situations where you would normally use a traditional aquarium heater, so something like a paludarium, ...
What is underfloor heating used for?
They have also been used extensively, both inside and out, in the horticultural farming sector warming the soil and heating hydroponic beds to accelerate plant growth. This is the part that makes it interesting in our hobby.
Can you use a reptile heat cable in water?
Yes, if used correctly. The Reptile Systems European made heat cable is double insulated giving extra layers of protection to the point where it can be left permanently submerged in water, having an IPX8 rating along with current CE safety certification. It also has a 2-year warranty to give you full peace of mind. All heating products, unless otherwise stated, should be used with a suitable thermostat.
Do reptiles have heat cables?
Before moving on to more reptile related-use, they also have a heat cable on permanent use at their UK testing facility. It is warming the soil in their plant growth planter where they test various lights over different types of plants. They have grown, from seed to full flower, numerous plants including Marigolds and Aloes, the results of which can be seen on their social media channels.
Is All the Cable Heated?
No, the first 1 metre of every Reptile Systems cable is unheated, this will be denoted by a red mark. This allows for it to be connected to a suitable thermostat or control module. Therefore, we recommend that you only bury or submerge your heat cable to a maximum depth of 0.8 meters.
Why does heat tape glow?
This is why the elements in resistive heaters and electric stove tops glow when the power is on.
What is the difference between heat cable and heat tape?
Tape: The heat cable you use on your roof -- which usually comes with clips to attach it to the shingles -- is rounded to expose more of its surface area to the surroundings. Heat tape for wrapping around pipes is flat, and it must be installed with one of its surfaces completely in contact with the pipe to do its job. You can buy roof and gutter cable in variable lengths and wire them yourself to a controller and plug, but heat tape comes in fixed lengths and is already pre-wired. All you have to do is wrap it on the pipe and plug it in.
How to keep heat from dissipating in pipes?
Cover the pipe with foam pipe insulation after wrapping the tape. This prevents the heat from dissipating and saves energy. If the pipes are outside or in a wet location, wrap them with waterproof insulation.
Where to put heat cable on roof?
You can also install heat cable in the gutters to keep them open in cold weather and prevent the formation of icicles.
Can you put heat tape on a wall?
Installing Heat Tape on Pipes. Heat tape is the go-to product for preventing exposed pipes in your crawl space or on the outside of your house from bursting in the winter. You should never install it on pipes behind walls or hidden in walls or ceilings. Choose the right kind of tape for your pipes -- tape intended for metal pipes could melt PVC.
Can heat tape be used on gas lines?
Heat tape provides enough heat to start fires and should never be used in the vicinity of flammable objects or near gas appliances. In addition, do not install it on pipes that touch the ground, since this could cause grounding of the conductor in the tape and a potentially dangerous power surge. Always make sure the pipes have water in them before you turn on the tape and always read the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure proper installation.
Does heat tape prevent ice dams?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Heat tape can prevent the formation of ice dams and icicles in cold, snowy weather. Image Credit: Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash. Heat tape is a generic term for a variety of cables and cords you can install on your roof and gutters to prevent ice dams or wrap around exposed pipes ...
