Heating in AP racks is achieved by a single heat cable, which is either embedded in the back of the rack (back heat) or in each shelf under the tubs (belly heat).
Back heat is a good option for people who are keeping their herps in a heated room. Generally with back heat, the front of each tub will be at room temp with the gradient raising about 5-10 degrees in the back, depending on thermostat settings.
Belly heat racks can be used in heated rooms or in rooms at normal room temps. In this setup a heat cable is embedded in a grove across each shelf about 5 inches in from the back. This allows the tubs to set on top of the heat, thus creating “belly heat.” I personally like this option because it allows you more control over hot spot temps and gives your herps even more thermal regulation options.
Indirect belly heat is the same as belly heat only the heat cable is located further back on each shelf so that back edge of each tub just barley sets over it. This set up creates an outstanding gradient.
Overhead radiant heat is similar to belly heat except the heat cable is situated in a way that allows more heat to be radiated down from above the tubs.
In your situation I would recommend the Belly heat or indirect belly heat depending on what kind of herp you are putting in the rack. If you’re not sure which herps you will be putting in it or if you will be using it for different types… I would recommend the regular belly heat as it is the most flexible in its use.
If you go to AP site and look at the pic of their economy line racks on the main page, you can see the groove for the belly heat in the lower shelves.
Hope that helps
MF
