Heating cable efficiency

[Synapze]

I'm looking for some input on the efficiency of heating cables. I have been reading some old posts and a few people were using heating cables ( @Predatorhousepetmentions using them) under the enclosures. Below is an example of one of my bug shelves; the others are identical. This room will drop down to around 65° during the coldest nights and I would rather not have multiple pads or a bunch of dangling cords . I was wondering if I purchased some of the long heating cables if I would be able to coil a single cable around the base of each enclosure (or some configuration) and provide the heat bump I need. I believe I would be able to use one of the long cables so I could get both shelves set up using one outlet... possibly. Enclosures have a layer of gravel to give a little weight and a layer of Spagnum Moss to retain moisture. Don't laugh at my fancy enclosures. ?

Are these cables efficient enough to give me at least a 5° bump in temperature in the enclosures? There are several wattage options, some as low as 25 watts up to over 150 watts or higher. 

I believe I could also drape some type of material over the entire shelf if necessary on hard freeze nights in hopes of preventing too much heat dispersion. I know I could use heat lamps... but that's not my preference. 

Thoughts or suggestions? 

 

[MantisGirl13]

What are heating cables? 

I like your habitats and your setup, btw. 

- MantisGirl13

 

[Synapze]

@MantisGirl13 

They are primarily used to heat reptile habitats.

 

[MantisGirl13]

Ok, that is a cool idea! 

- MantisGirl13

 

[Synapze]

Herp guys say no problem.

 

[Synapze]

Didn't have a lot of input on this one, so this is an experiment that perhaps someone else can learn from. ? I did some research, consulted with some herp keepers and here's the result. 

First shelf unit is complete with 2 more to go. I'll do more testing on shelf one before I complete the others. 

I'm using a 23ft 50 watt heating cable with 2 runs on each shelf secured in place to prevent crossing the cables. The thermostat is on the left with a probe lead that I currently have in a vacant "control" container pending further adjustments. The last half of runs on lower shelf are unsecured so I can move the cables easily to better control the heat supply to the 32 oz containers which would get too warm if the cables are too close.

With the exception of the 32 oz cups, all of my containers have a base substrate of gravel with humidity retaining substrate on top. The heat should be dispersed quite well and the gravel should help the heat from dissipating too quickly between thermostat cycles. 

My goal is just to get a 5° increase in each enclosure. I'll probably be up all night when we have our first freeze when the temp in this room can drop as low as 65. ?

I'll keep anyone interested updated... or if I start ordering lots of mantids, you'll know the experiment failed. ?

 

[MantisGirl13]

? I hope it works! Definitely keep us updated!

- MantisGirl13

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

Sounds like a plan! Actually I was considering that option myself a bit. So be sure to let us know what happens! ? 

 

[Synapze]

Update: The heating cables perform great. The only tricky part is placement of the cables near any 32oz cups I have containing assorted nymphs. The cable run is approximately 1" in front of the 32oz and another about 2 inches behind. Digital thermometers are a must to get the cable distance correctly placed to make sure the small cups are heated in sync with the larger enclosures.

I noticed the layer of gravel under the substrate holds the temp quite well vs. my unoccupied control enclosure with no gravel, just substrate. The gravel-less enclosure temp drops very quickly out of my target zone. With gravel, the thermostat cycle duration is greatly reduced.

Now, I need to find a heating solution for my fruit fly cultures. I'm going to experiment with a low watt bulb to see if I can maintain enough heat in the culture cabinet to prevent slow production or crashes. 

 

[Jaywo]

You have a envious set up. Are the heating cables directly underneath each container (outside)? It looks like this is the case in the pictures but want to make sure.

 

[Synapze]

@Jaywo I don't consider my setup envious by any means, just frugal, but thanks!

It's a 23ft 50 watt cable There are 2 runs of cable under each enclosure, with the exception of the 32oz cups; those have one cable in front and one behind. Thermometers are placed between each 32oz cup for easy adjustment. 

Pardon the crude sketch. ?