Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Im using 41q. tubs for a ball python rack thats 34x16x6. I cant decide to use 11 or 4inch flexwatt underneath each tub. 11 seems too big and 4 seems too small. Any suggestions?

actually 3" is commonly used for balls, was told the 4" doesn't have enough wattage to get up to the temps balls need, putting 3" in the rack in building

*** that I'm building

I built my own five tub 41qt ball python rack a year and a half ago. I chose the 11" flexwatt and couldn't be happier with it. If you have never used flexwatt before let me recommend that you solder your connections instead of using the clamps. I have done it both ways and I find the soldered connections to be much more consistent than when I used the clamps. Just my opinion. Also, be sure to purchase a good thermostat to run it all, very important!
-Bryce

I use the 10 watt/ft 3" flexwatt. It provides a good hotspot in my rack. I used the 11" for a while and it worked fine, but 3" is cheaper.

We have used the 6 watt 3 inch flex watt for just about every size of Vision cage, all the way up to 6ft cages housing larger burms and retics (years ago).

The 3" will provide a great hotspot for the snakes, and you STILL have to use a heat controller so it doesn't get too hot.

I have never used the 11" tape in a PE setup. I don't see much reason. We did sell it at one point, and I saw a number of customers bring back melted cages, large pieces of burnt carpet, burnt tables that cages sat on, etc.

Most of those issues are due to misuse and misapplication on the part of the user, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS USE A HEAT CONTROLLER, either a rheostat or thermostat, but still, the POTENTIAL danger for the 11" heat tape is just too high, especially when I can achieve great hot spots using the 3" tape.

I have used larger heat pads in the past, always with a heat controller, but I wouldn't use the 11" flex watt.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Its worked for years here, for ball pythons I would use nothing else. If Your using it on Freedom breeder racks and fell its just not enough,just add a second strip. So it would be 6 inch area for Your bigger Females.

This is the only time I have seen 3 inch not cut it,and it was CB 70's with Drarf Boas in them. For Gravid Females I would just add another strip,this helped greatly and the females stoped hugging the heat so much and the babys came out alive and all around Healthy. But I only do this for Dwarf Boas that are Gravid.

I hope this helps You figure out whats best. Shot Me an email if You want to know more about proper heating, but ball pythons ive never needed anything other then 3 inch 6 watts per ft. flex watt.

Van
http://www.myspace.com/gregvanzweden

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