Posted by:
jasons-jungle
at Thu Feb 5 11:26:52 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by jasons-jungle ]
Just as the long debated "What's the best substrate" question, I don't think there IS a correct answer to this question. There are many keepers/breeders who use backheat with no problems and there is at least an equal amount (if not more) that use belly heat.
I've used both. I started with belly heat years ago and then when I started designing racks and found that back heat would be easier/cheaper/more efficient to install, I gave it a try. I haven't thought about belly heat since 
There are definitely pros and cons. The main con to back heat is that it takes more power to get the inside of your tub warm (to the same temp that belly heat would do in a lot less power) because it usually has to go through the tub, and then into the tub a few inches (having a back wall at 90 degrees if that's your hot temp, does no good if the snake can't actually ever be at 90 degrees).
The main pro that I've seen with back heat is that it provides an incredible gradient. With backheat, I'd get my desired temp over the heat tape and 6" away, I'd be close to room temperature so the snake had the choice of being hot or cold with very little in between (unless they lay 1/2 on and 1/2 off then they get a mixture HAHAHA). With the back heat (we'll say using a 32-quart tub), I'll start my gradient at 92 right on the back wall. About 4" in I'll be 90 degrees (my desired temp), then it has a slow rolloff to the front of the tub. The temp on the inside lip of the tub is usually one degree warmer than room temperature. Stop by at the Indy show sometime and I'll show you what I'm talking about (IR thermometers ROCK!!!).
That said, most of the big breeders out there (probably 7 of the top 10 at least) use Freedom Breeder caging which is belly heat, so it OBVIOUSLY works well. I have just yet to see any evidence (personally, from any customers, or secondhand) that back heat doesn't work.
So if you can answer that question, then you can answer the substrate question, THEN you can handle the question "Which came first, the snake or the egg?"
Take care,
Jason @ Jason's Jungle
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RE: racks and heating questions.... - jasons-jungle, Thu Feb 5 11:26:52 2004