Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Took some time yesterday to create some new racks for all my balls. I didn't have large enough tubs for my females so I created one rack mostly for my large females with some space for babies. Also created a rack to hold my sub-adults before they get moved to the big tubs. I am just about done but I need to put wheels and the finishing tape on them. I also will be ordering some heat tape for them as well.

My thought for the heat tape is to run one 11" piece down the left side of the big tubs for the females, that way they can have a hot side and a cool side, rather then the heat tape being in the middle. What do you all think about this?? I know I am just going to run a strip down the skinner rack that will be easy. Don't post much here but I am always lurking. Thanks guys!!

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Paul Farmer
F & B Reptiles
pj_farmer@hotmail.com
Our Website

Does the room ambient air temp stay relatively warm through the year - say 75 or above? Heat tape run down the back won't do the job in a cold room, but will work nicely in a warm room.

I am keeping the room at 75-80 without a problem. I have a small space heater that does a nice job, the room is only 8'x6', but perfect for a snake room. My question is should I use 11" tape down one end or would 3" be enough?
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Paul Farmer
F & B Reptiles
pj_farmer@hotmail.com
Our Website

My opinion through experience is that 3"-wide Flexwatt is useless for apps other than underbelly heat for small snakes. If running heat tape down the back of a rack, go ahead and use 11"-wide. You can always dim it down or unplug it during the warmer months if needed.

Also, you really should buy a Ranco thermostat for your space heater as a backup. A Ranco is like $50.00 from www.herpsupplies.com and will save you from accidently overheating expensive ball python morphs.

Do you reccomend the Ranco, I was planning to buy a helix beacause I just wanted to be safe. But if people use the Ranco with success then I may try that first. Thanks!!
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Paul Farmer
F & B Reptiles
pj_farmer@hotmail.com
Our Website

For ambient air temp protection when using a space heater, an ON/OFF controller like Ranco is perfect and economical. For controlling Flexwatt, a proportional controller like Helix or Big Apple Herp's controller is the best way to go. But, as long as the ambient air temp is protected with a Ranco, you can simply use a dimmer on the Flexwatt if you want. And if you have over $1000 invested in your animals, put 2 Rancos in series for absolute protection. Jeff Ronne (theboaphile.com) sells such a setup already wired and ready to plug in your heater. You must make sure that the wattage of your space heater is less than the rating of the Ranco's contacts.

THANKS!! That's the kind of info I have been looking for. I just didn't want to have to buy a Ranco and a Helix. The main reason I was looking at the helix is because I have heard about the night drop feature which I will need for breeding. Looks like its ranco all the way for me. Thanks again!!
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Paul Farmer
F & B Reptiles
pj_farmer@hotmail.com
Our Website

where do you get the large tubs?
ryan

Good Luck finding the tubs. I went to 3 Walmarts, 2 Home Depots and 2 Targets. The only place that had them was a target 250 miles away from my house. Good luck finding them. From what I have heard from others it seems like Target is your best bet.
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Paul Farmer
F & B Reptiles
pj_farmer@hotmail.com
Our Website