Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which works better for rooms that have low ambient air temps heat tape or cord/rope? The temps in my family’s home are always cold we basically live central air conditioning all yr round is there a minimum ambient air temp that heat tape and heat rope become ineffective, in that it will only heat X degrees higher than a room’s temp. I’ve seen that some breeders use room heaters and heat up entire rooms but I don’t have a separate room for my snakes and the racks are going to be next to furniture, will I have a problem heating the racks if the rooms are cold, buying a pro rack system isn’t an option I can’t afford the racks that have lots of tubs.

It sounds like you are going to have to decided which is more important to you - the snakes or the a/c. If you don't have a room you can cut the a/c off of so that the racks and heat equipment can do their job then you might be better off with something that can live in cool temps. Otherwise you're going to run up your electric bill with the heat constantly fighting the a/c and possibly end up with sick snakes in the meantime.

Sorry - probably not what you wanted to hear.
-----
Tosha
JET Pythons

One thing that may help would be to insulate the outside of the rack. It is actually quite simple to do. Just use the insulation that you use on the outside of a house. It has the reflective foil on it that really helps to trap the heat in the rack. Screw the insulation boards to some wood panneling, (the lighter the better) and fasten it to the sides of your rack. The idea is to keep heat in, and cold out. That way the ambient temp can be raised, without over heating the floor of the tubs.
Remember to have the foil facing in towards the rack.
It should be relatively inexpensive, since you should only need the thinner insulation to make a considerable difference. If you need even more insulation, you can do this to the back as well, but make sure that any cords running out the back have ample holes to go through. (A keyhole saw works great for this)

Hope this helps!
-----
James.....
"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought the beast back."

If I were you I'd scrap the insulation idea. Seeing that some of that stuff is made fiberglass, I wouldn't use it around my snakes, especially right next to them. Some particles could come loose and end up in the tub and before you know it, they're inhaling it. If that stuff itches so badly on us, can you imagine what it would be like on the inside of them? I'd think twice about that method if I were you.

I think he means that foam insulation with the reflective backing on it. Comes in 1/2 inch thickness I think.

I also still think he'll be fighting with the A/C reguardless. The insulation may help. but I don't know if it will be enough.

Quig
-----
Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

That is exactly what I meant, but I guess I should have been more clear. I do agree that the insulation may still leave you with a fight with the A/C. Might help some though. I figure that its cheap enough to try without risking losing too much $$$.
-----
James.....
"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought the beast back."