Flex Watt heat tape for feeders.

[Action Jackson]

I'm interested is setting up my bug bins using flex watt tape. It would be great if someone could post on how to do this. I'm curious about how of wide of tape to use, how long can it be, what type of thermostat or temperature controller is used etc. Pictures would be Great!

 

[little leaf]

I have it on my roach bins - I have the 6" and just got some 11" - but I dont have any pics right now- but it works very well - I am sure someone can tell you better how to set it up than I can , but I also have mine on light dimmer switches, they get to hot I think with out one - but you will really like it - I think my 11" was over kill- I got excited - LOL the 6" for me has done fine

 

[SMCNARY]

I'm interested is setting up my bug bins using flex watt tape. It would be great if someone could post on how to do this. I'm curious about how of wide of tape to use, how long can it be, what type of thermostat or temperature controller is used etc. Pictures would be Great!

I have a entire thread with pictures on this but if you have any questions after looking at it hit me up on a pm. 3 threads,neonate raiser rack on page 3,silkworm breeding shelf and heated feeder shelf on page 4. I have more Picts and details for you if you need it.
Hope this helps!
Steve

 

[ChamMan7]

I have it on my roach bins - I have the 6" and just got some 11" - but I dont have any pics right now- but it works very well - I am sure someone can tell you better how to set it up than I can , but I also have mine on light dimmer switches, they get to hot I think with out one - but you will really like it - I think my 11" was over kill- I got excited - LOL the 6" for me has done fine

I have heard you havvvee to use a thermostat with flex watt, is this true ? Do you use it without a temp control unit ?

 

[SMCNARY]

I have heard you havvvee to use a thermostat with flex watt, is this true ? Do you use it without a temp control unit ?

It's best to use a rheostat or thermostat with it but if you are trying to get bugs really hot you can just plug it in but must watch and check temp on the tape and monitor it closely to be sure you don't have a fire hazard. My firebrauts are not on either one but they like it hot.

 

[ealizard]

I have mine hooked up to a dimmer switch, dial type, and can get pics later, cleaning day,

 

[Action Jackson]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to find your posts Steve. I was hoping you would reply as I know your feeder set up is of the hook.

 

[spottea]

I got a ready made flex watt tape mat from West coast roaches, because I didn't want to be bothered making one myself. It works great and came with a control setting. At first I put a piece of cardboard between the mat and the carpet just in case it melted the carpet, but it didn't. Then, I found a piece of polystyrene and used that instead. Much better insulation, and the temps have been higher since. About 80 to 83 degrees on average. The mat is at one end of the bin under the eggcrates, and the food is at the other end.
I don't have that large a population yet, but they seem very happy and are breeding! I also have too many adult males, so I need to find a stomach for some of them. They're much too big for my little girl!

 

[Action Jackson]

I got a ready made flex watt tape mat from West coast roaches, because I didn't want to be bothered making one myself. It works great and came with a control setting. At first I put a piece of cardboard between the mat and the carpet just in case it melted the carpet, but it didn't. Then, I found a piece of polystyrene and used that instead. Much better insulation, and the temps have been higher since. About 80 to 83 degrees on average. The mat is at one end of the bin under the eggcrates, and the food is at the other end.
I don't have that large a population yet, but they seem very happy and are breeding! I also have too many adult males, so I need to find a stomach for some of them. They're much too big for my little girl!

I always have more roaches than I know what to do with. I don't really feed them to my Jackson's because they have so trouble chewing them up and my Parson's haven't eaten anything for weeks now.