Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm working on building a rack for my snakes and need to know if it matters whether the "hot spot" is in the back of the bin or not? Also do you guys usually set the hide over the "hot spot" ?
Thanks!

I personally would put the flexwatt in the back. That way you can't really see it and it cleans up the overall look of the rack. I don't think it really matters what end the heat is on, the snakes don't care as long as the conditions are met I put my hides on the hot end and the water bowls on the cool end. I think that's how most do it but if any other people do the flexwatt and hides thing differently, chime in.

Where are you thinking of putting the hot spot if not in the back? Technicaly you can put it where ever you want. But know that first off your animals will be most comfortable and secure in the quietest and darkest place in the tub. So the front would IMO be a bad choice. Also you will need room for both a water bowl and a hide so the middle, though not as bad a choice may not be the most practical. Also the temp gradient won't be the best since the heat is equal distance from both ends. Now if for some reason you need to put it on one side or the other instead of directly behind or underneath. Then I would place it as close to the back edge of the tub. But these are just my opinions. I do start out with my hides over the hot spot, but I use light weight plastics. (bowls or litter pans) The snakes just move them around to suit themselves. sorry for being so long winded, Hope this helps.

Jeff