Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive searched the archives and read what I could, but am still wanting your opinions. As of now I sill build my own melamine tanks and house all my snakes seperate. Im looking to purchase some racks, but my whole issue is the "heating". Ive used flexwat before and have since shun away from the product. In my application, flexwatt has not been successfull in giving me the proper heat (then again i used it not in an enclosed area like a rack).

If anyone has anything negative to say about the boaphiles, please post some comments.

I understand the frustration with Flexwatt. However, when installed in a rack made from expanded PVC as are Boaphile and Nature's Spirit racks, Flexwatt works well. The plastic's semi-heat-conducting characteristics are such that the back heat actually creeps onto the shelf a little bit. Yet, the material's insulating properties help keep the heat inside. A piece of styrene foam insulation taped to the outside back of the rack will help even more. Way more effective than in a melamine rack.

Common sense will tell you that if the room is like 60 degrees, back heat will only heat the very back of the boxes to boa-friendly temps, whereas the front will be too cold. Laying a piece of styrene foam insulation up against the front of the rack will keep the heat in much better in a cold room. In a room temp of 72 deg, I measure 85 at the back of the boxes and 75 up front. Perfect for young boas.

72.8 Room Temp
88.3 Rear cage temp
77.5 Front cage temp

Now I have the sideways sweater rack, and a set of the shoebox racks that are not being used atm.

I know you asked for negative comments, but I really like mine. (Not so) Sorry I couldn't help.

I think I will try taping some foam insulation to the backs of mine and see how that works. I have two of the smaller sweater/shoe racks in my bedroom. With the foam taped to the back, I wouldn't have to be so concerned about the room getting too cool. Right now though, it works fine and my room temps probably stay around the mid 70's.

LOL thats ok. I was wondering about the temperatures as well. IM in san diego so we really dont get "bad" weather. Im probably going to pick up a rack.. i dont know if im wanting the smaller shoe racks or the blanket... I would think the blanket racks would retain heat a little better since they are deeper.

>>72.8 Room Temp
>>88.3 Rear cage temp
>>77.5 Front cage temp
>>
>>Now I have the sideways sweater rack, and a set of the shoebox racks that are not being used atm.
>>
>>I know you asked for negative comments, but I really like mine. (Not so) Sorry I couldn't help.