2 seperate pieces of heat tape - one rheostat

[flaming_lizard]

I was wondering if two pieces of heat tape the same length can be wired to the same rheostat. It seems to me that the wattage is rated by length of the tape, and if it is wired in either series or parallel it should still have the same wattage across the two, and maybe then the same temperature. What does anybody think?

[Detroit Boas]

Well here you go.The heat tape is rated at watts per foot.So what you need to do is first find out the max. wattage of the rheostat you are using.Then depending on how big of heat tape you are using find out the wattage on that and make sure it does not exceed the max. wattage of your rheostat.It does not matter how many peices are hooked up to one rheostat as long as it does not exceed the max.watts of the rheostat.And no it wont change the wattage by mounting in any different way.The only way it could change the heat is if it is on a rack.Sometimes the bottom shelves tend to get slightly cooler.Hope this helps.What kind of rheostat are you using?

[flaming_lizard]

I am in the process of building a rack system and wanted to use one rheostat for every two shelves for a total of 6 shelves with the heat tape on the bottom of each shelf. I figure this way I can have 3 different temperatures and I can more closely control the top ones from being slightly warmer. Each shelf will be about 2ft wide using sterlite tubs. I have not chosen a rheostat yet, but would appreciate suggestions.

[Detroit Boas]

Definatly check out the GCS thermostats this is what i use in my snake room and they are the best.You can control 4 different heat elements at one time individualy.They also have the night time drop that is optional.I have used Helix and different types of reostats and so far i am most happy with GCS.What kind of tubs are you using?If you need any rack builing plans or tips check out arbreptiles.com...Out of curiosity what will you be housing in the racks?Oh ya go to wantapet.com click on reptiles and you should see the ad for GCS and there you go.

[flaming_lizard]

I am going to house leopard geckos in them. I am using sterlite tubs some are 28 quart and some are 12 quart. The two 12 quarts fit into the space of one 28 quart. I can use the 12 quart tubs for hatchlings. I have crested geckos in another rack with the tall sterlite tubs, but they didn't need any supplemental heating. After I build this rack I will also be able to expand my collection and invest in more investment type herps. Thanks for the info on the GCS thermostats they will do pretty much exactly what I am looking for.
:)

[Detroit Boas]

Well best of luck to you. :D ..What size heat tape are you going with on each shelf.Those GCS thermostats are not to bad on the price.I am using about 7 of them now and they are sweet.Personally i think they are better than Helix allthough they are not so bad.

[lbarnett]

Could anyone tell me where I can find the heat tape?

Thanks

Lindsay :P

[Dr Alan]

Could anyone tell me where I can find the heat tape?

Thanks

Lindsay :P

:) Home Depot or whatever passes for Home Depot in your part of the world.

[lbarnett]

Thanks for the info Dr.Alan!

Lindsay :)