Reptile & Amphibian Forums

was wondering whether it would be better to put 3" heat tape under the tubs or run a piece of 11" down the back?

Several factors to consider.

First, what is the largest box you will use and will that box be inserted width-wise or length wise. Secondly, will most of the animals heat come from the heat tape or will there be significant ambient heat in the room?

The material and construction of your rack will also come into play. For example, if the back of the rack is open or uses a ventilated design (such as Freedom Breeder) the individual tubs will need more heat.

Personally, I prefer the heat to be underneath in combination with some sort of conductive material such as sheet metal to distribute the heat. If the rack were made of foamed PVC this would already conduct heat adequately.

Sorry to bring up more questions than answers but there's a lot to consider.

The biggest tubs are 23" long by 16" wide and will be put in sideways. The back and sides will be made out of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. The ambient temp of the room is in the mid 70s in the summer and high 60s/low 70s during the winter. I might use an electric room heater to raise the temperature if neccessary.

I would make separate racks:

For rosies/sandboas:
You could use 3" flexwatt under the tubs.

For ball pythons/spotteds/exotics:
If the room is kept at 75-78 degrees, you can maybe get away with using the 3" under the tubs or even maybe the 11" down the back. If the room gets cold (for an exotic, cold can be below 72), then 3" under or 11" on back may not do it alone, and you'd need both under and back heat more than likely. There are ways to insulate the rack such that a little heat goes a long way. Basically, put styrene foam insulation around the rack if necessary. Or, get a room heater. Much easier.