solomon Posted July 14, 2011 Hey gang, sorry if this shouldn't be here, I couldn't find anywhere else where it would fit in. So I recently purchased 9 meters of 80w heating cable. I plan on germinating cacti and leafys on this. The place I got it from provided no info on using it apart from saying it can be wrapped around pots in Winter. After reading some threads here and elsewhere on the net I decided that I would lay the cable in sand in a metal tray. The tray is 91cm x 76cm and 10cm deep. I plan on putting the cable about 5cm deep in the sand, on top the sand there will be trays to catch any water from the pots. Here is a rough idea of my plan Can anyone tell me if this is dangerous/stupid or if there is a better way to go about using a heating cable to make a heat pad? Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
occidentalis Posted July 14, 2011 sounds ok, but 5cm is probably a bit too deep i would put the cable closer to the surface. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tripsis Posted July 14, 2011 Is the cable waterproof? Some of them are (or maybe even all them). Looks good, but like occidentalis suggested, place the cable closer to the surface. The one I have generates an impressive amount of heat compared to the heat mats I've got. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
solomon Posted July 14, 2011 (edited) Cheers for the replies, I will only bury it a cm or two then. I just emailed the supplier and they said that it is waterproof but not designed to run underwater. edit: Tripsis how do you use your cables? Edited July 14, 2011 by centipede Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tripsis Posted July 14, 2011 I've only used it once. I simply placed in under the pot and then once around them too. Generated plenty of heat to keep them warm. Depending on what I was trying to do, I would probably do something like what you're doing next time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
analoge Posted August 29, 2011 The place I got it from provided no info on using it apart from saying it can be wrapped around pots in Winter. I would be interested in getting something like that for pots in winter Where did you get it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mud Posted August 29, 2011 (edited) Thanks centipede this is a good idea. I wonder, might u let the cable arc or curve or spiral- instead of letting heat build in corners(?) one could distribute heat more evenly, efficiently.. (like a stovetop?) Not sure about metal. Earth pottery or something might have an earthier ambience, safer, less conducive lest accident arise.. Edited August 29, 2011 by mud Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
devance Posted August 30, 2011 A heat pad basically for under reptile [aquarium]tanks might be best for germinating cacti and leafys. http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/infoL3/23940/category.web Or just buy one. Hydrofarm CK64050 Germination Station with Heat Mat] http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHO1RO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=growwcom07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HHO1RO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rabelais Posted September 1, 2011 Nice plans! Have you put it together yet, centipede? I'm guessing it is much cheaper than those Aussie made 'Heat & Grow' mats. I have bought 3 of them over the years, my oldest one is about 6 years now and it works just as good as the day I took it out of the box...and you have to love the thermostat control, but $100+ for a 30cmsq mat is brutal. Would love to try something like you have planned. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Presidente Hillbillios Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) hey mate i have one that i use with an alumiunium plate. i machined a slot in the bottom to lay the cable in. Then i pored epoxy in the slot to seal it. It gives of a perfect even heat. i even use it for an incubator for mushrooms. The sand idea seems pretty goood too though, they really need some thing for a bit more thermal mass. If not their heat isn't very even and they can get i think a bit too hot in points. i would maybe add a drain hole or two though to prevent the sand getting all soggy. Edited September 1, 2011 by El presidente Hillbillios Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
El Presidente Hillbillios Posted September 1, 2011 that hydrofarm gemination thingo looks alright, does anyone know if these are available in Aus? i mean i would like to look at one and see what its like before i buy one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
solomon Posted September 1, 2011 Nice plans! Have you put it together yet, centipede? I'm guessing it is much cheaper than those Aussie made 'Heat & Grow' mats. I have bought 3 of them over the years, my oldest one is about 6 years now and it works just as good as the day I took it out of the box...and you have to love the thermostat control, but $100+ for a 30cmsq mat is brutal. Would love to try something like you have planned. I did put it together but only used it for a fortnight. Worked very well but then I found a similar sized heatpad for cheap so I decided to wrap the cable around the plastic tub my Tabernanthe is growing in instead.. A bit overkill but now the day time temps in there exceed 35c and night time temps are 25c. Would have been excellent for rooting cacti cuttings in tho. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites