Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I will be building a rack in the near future. The only question I have is about heating. I am only familiar with undertank heaters and know that this is not a practical way to heat a rack. Basically I need to decide between heat tape or rope. Also was wondering if I need to put the heating elements in a dado (groove) so there is some space between the box and heating element or if it is better that they come in contact. Thanks in advance.

If you can make a groove it could not hurt, but I use flexwatt directly under boxes and have not had any problems.. Although, i am carefull when sliding boxes in and out of the rack. I also use lids on my boxes so they are not pressed tightly against the tape..

The rack pictured has been in use for a few years & the pads look just about new..

~ Mike Russo

Awesome, those pictures helped a lot. I was considering going lidless, but if lids have worked well for you I may change my mind. Also thought that the heating elements were fixed in place, but by the looks of it I can reposition them according to the type of snake box I'm using. Another question, do you run the cords through the back of the rack or are there spaces in between the shelves and back that allow all the cords to be run to the top/bottom to be plugged in. Also, would you suggest putting a back on the rack? Thanks again.

Lidless works well too.. i have a lidless hatchling rack and it is a bit easier to clean..

i guess it's hard to see in the photos but, use clear silicone to secure the heat pads to the floor of the rack.

i run the power cords out the back of the rack down to the bottom where they are plugged into a power strip... i then plug the power strip into a Helix to control proper temps

i would suggest putting a back on the rack.. it helps hold heat better and most snakes like to hide so it blocks off the back of the rack.

Mike

Great, thanks a lot.

I heat my entire reptile room...but here are some rack pics...and detailed instructions are also on my site...

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Sincerely, Jason
www.NortheastSnakes.com
NortheastSnakes@verizon.net

oh...and for heat tape...i'm not for it due to it's dangerous nature if not used 100% properly and my fear of fire...BUT you could run heat tape throughout each shelf OR down the back depending on what the room temp is where you're at...hope i helped a little.