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I'm building a six level ball rack using melemine. I had planned on using flex-watt across the back of each shelf for belly heat. One continuous peice that would start at the top go across the shelf, down thru a grove cut in the shelf, then across the next shelf and so on down to the bottom. I forgot where I saw this, but it seemed like a better way than wiring up a bunch of different levels.

My first question is whether this method will work or if I should use a separate piece of flexwatt for each shelf?

My second question is: I'm using CB-70s how do I keep them from resting directly on the top of the felx-watt, doesn't it need some kind of vetilation? I was thinking about maybe recessing the flexwatt or somehow raising the back of the tub somehow, but I'm not exactly sure how.

Also, I'm new to racks so I was wondering whats the best method of keeping track of the heat and humiddity in each separate tub?

Sorry if these are stupid questions. Thanks for any help you can provide. Also if you can attach a photo or two, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!
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Tosha

2.5.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently unnammed)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
5.4.2 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

>>I'm building a six level ball rack using melemine. I had planned on using flex-watt across the back of each shelf for belly heat. One continuous peice that would start at the top go across the shelf, down thru a grove cut in the shelf, then across the next shelf and so on down to the bottom. I forgot where I saw this, but it seemed like a better way than wiring up a bunch of different levels.
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>>My first question is whether this method will work or if I should use a separate piece of flexwatt for each shelf?

There are certainly much more qualified people than myself to answer this question, I'm surprised you've not recieved any replies. The advantage of wiring up different levels is that you can more easily avoid the natural heat build up that occurs in the upper levels of racks. With different levels you can either wire 'zones' or have rheostats online that allow zones to be turned down a bit.

>>My second question is: I'm using CB-70s how do I keep them from resting directly on the top of the felx-watt, doesn't it need some kind of vetilation? I was thinking about maybe recessing the flexwatt or somehow raising the back of the tub somehow, but I'm not exactly sure how.

The easiest way it to cut strips of 1/8" hardboard and make runners for the flexwatt to rest between. I'll attach a picture of a rack I built that shows what I mean. If you look at the one shelf on the rack that is white melamine you can see this strips of hardboard. The box runs on these.

Expanded PVC might be an even better choice as it conducts heat very well. In fact you can probably safely cover the entire strip of flexwatt with expanded PVC (aka Sintra) and have it act as an air space (due to the foamed interior).

>>Also, I'm new to racks so I was wondering whats the best method of keeping track of the heat and humiddity in each separate tub?

I'm not sure if I understand the question. Do you mean keeping track or keeping control?

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Current snakes:

0.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.3 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

3.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black & Tan)