Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When it comes to rack systems, could somebody please explain to me the different pros and cons with the heat tape on the bottom as compared to it being across the back.
Thanks in advance.

It's simple really,

Back Heat;

Pros= Easy to install, requires fewer connection, cheaper because less tape by foot can cover more rack shelves.
Cons= Doesn't provide belly heat which I have been told by big name breeders is important to ovulating females.

Belly Heat;

Pros= Consistent hot spot and basking area. Hot spot is less affected by ambient temperatures.
Cons= More connections (unless you weave the tape down the rack). Way more tape required to cover each shelf. Tubs can rub against tape.

So it really depends on the animal you are keeping. In regards to ball pythons for example, what I have been told is that back heat is ok for small racks/tubs for hatchling and juvies. But bottom/belly heat is recommended for adults with longer tubs for heat gradient.

I just built a rack that houses 10- 33" long Sterelite tubs. I was going to use 11" flex-watt down the back. The rack required 6" of tape to heat all 10 shelves. But before I wired it, I got lots of advise to use belly heat. So, I ended up using 10 feet of 11" tape cutting them into individual panels and wiring them all the way down using a proportional thermostat. I am happy I went that route because compared to my other rack, that uses back heat, I am getting more accurate temp gradients.

By the way, I am putting together pics of that rack to show anyone interested.

Hope that helps
Troy Dozier
Reptilian Projects

Thanks for the reply, descriptions and your comments.
I am just getting restarted in reptile breeding. I have an old rack system that I had built about 12 years ago and at that time there was no mention of back heat. I use the old heat tape that was designed for wrapping water pipes to avoid freezing in the winter. (What a pain to find back then in Phoenix, AZ anytime of the year). The shelving was grooved in the rear and I then covered the groove with tin sheeting to disperse the heat evenly over a larger area and avoid direct contact of the heat tape with the plastic shoe/sweater boxes.
I just wanted to make sure I didn't have to start all over again.
I will only need to replace the old dimmer switches with something more modern and reliable.
Your help was invaluable.

Some people still use that pipe/heat tape. As a matter of fact, I am amazed at how many I talked to that still use it even though Flex-Watt is available. I have never used it myself but I hear it works great. Sounds like you just need to update your old rack.

Although I would HIGHLY recommend a thermostat. Not that you HAVE to have one. It's just that after getting my first, (big apple) thermostat, I am sold. I will never build another rack without one. They are sweet.

Good Luck,
Troy

Which thermostat are you using? How many does it take and in what configuration? With my current setup I have 8 shoe boxes in each row and 10 rows on the top portion. In the bottom are 5 sweater boxes in each row with 6 rows. Each heat tape is laid out to do 2 rows for both top and bottom. How many thermostats would I be looking at?
Once more thanks again in advance.