Got the prototype of our new rack done on Friday. Of Course there were problems, there always are with the first few tries. Looks like they are all hammered out now and we will cut/build the last prototype Monday afternoon and get some pictures of it. It uses the 15 qt MCB-S tub and is 4 tubs high and 2 tubs wide for a total of 8 tubs. We will be offering the belly heat version first and are still doing some testing on the back heat. These will be the first newcomers to our line in awhile. I am pretty cautious about adding new racks so I can keep the backlog and wait time pretty manageable. This one has been a long time coming. We will still keep the existing narrow versions of this rack up for sale so no worries for all of you that have one. Looks like we will not be adding the belly heat to the tall, narrow versions at this time though.
I have decided to go with the 21″ wide heat tape (used in our built in heat cages) for the back heat version but am still not sure if I will need to go with the 17 watt that I have on hand or if I need to upgrade to the 40 watt. Should know later this coming week. I would prefer to use the 17 watt that is on hand but am trying it out in the basement to see how much heating power it has. The wattage density of the 17 watt is quite low, less than half the 11″ tape. The 21″/40 watt is pretty much equivalent to the 11″ wattage density, just wider. Using the wide heat tape will prevent the need for two plugs and will give a very nice, even heat across both tubs. Almost like I made the rack for that heat tape??? Guess I was thinking that day.
Have a great weekend!
Got some much needed web work done today as well. Worked on some small updates on content and appearance of the FAQ’s. I have been very surprised at the amount of traffic those pages get and am always on the lookout for suggestions on additional topics. I do need to tackle the misting topic one of these days. Sounds like great project for the winter.