question on heat tape!

Is it alright to put the insulated packing foam (with the silver side) against the heat tape to better direct heat?

It's on the back of a 6 tub adult bp rack

I hope this helps answer your questions but I have a few freedom breeder racks that use a heat panel to heat the tubs. There heat panel is actually a metal sheet with 11 inch flexwatt with a foil radiant barrier piece of insulation on the bottom side so it directs the heat upwards. So with my suggestions I would say that the method you are talking about would work.

Just use regular heavy duty foil for backing rather then "speculate" the potentials of that materials flash point and degradation over time

Originally Posted by Metachrosis

Just use regular heavy duty foil for backing rather then "speculate" the potentials of that materials flash point and degradation over time

The heavy duty foil for backing will not insulate the back side of the heat tape most of the foil that is used is the HVAC tape that is used to tape down the flexwatt. Flexwatt should never be operated over 110 degrees and the Foil raditiate barrier isulation like "Prodex" has been used in many applications such as in attics where the temps are known to be well over 110 degrees in the summer months in some areas. Flexwatt and the radiant barrier insulation will break down over time but as with any product that is being used on your pets you should do regular checks to ensure servicability.

attached is a image of the prodex type of radiant barrier insulation (this is also used for raditant heat for flooring which also uses a heating element)