Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Looking for edjucated opinions on using on piece of 11" flexwatt down the back of an old school wood or melamine rack vs. having indiual heat tape on each level. Thanks for any help.

Kevin
xeropaga1@yahoo.com

//Royal Propagations

Hey Kev...

I think back heat is safer... less of a chance to overheat. But I use both because I think belly heat is better for gravid females. I raise babies and subadults on back heat, but I use belly heat only for my breeders. That being said, I have not tested this theory...

Oz
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OZZYBOIDS

Yes, yes, this is what I want to hear. It makes a number of things cleaner and uncomplicated going with back heat. I just want to make sure it is the way to go for most applications and provided a good, safe heat source.

Where do I get CB-70 tubs? I bought some Rubbermade 31qt. tubs and the seem OK for a medium tub but are a little small for adults and have sorta handles that would keep the tub from being close to the heat tape. I plan on getting the correct tubs the next time I buy but I did get 8 of these Rubermades. Do you thing they would still heat up fine with back heat?

Kevin

Royalpropagations@yahoo.com

I like back heat on baby tubs since you'd have basically no heat gradient in a shoebox with 3 or 4 inch heat tape underneath it. As far as 28qt. and above, I'd personally go with belly heat since there's more floor space. A good thermostat will be beneficial either way you go though to avoid overheating. Take care

Paul

We are using 11" flexwatt on each shelf under CB70's (you can get CB70s from reptiletubs.com for the best price I've been able to find). Belly heat is better for their metablolism but if you can keep your gradiant with back heat that's ok too. Personally I want to be able to adjust each level individually which wouldn't be possbile just running it up the back and the top levels could be cooking and the bottom levels still cool.
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Tosha

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

""Personally I want to be able to adjust each level individually which wouldn't be possbile just running it up the back and the top levels could be cooking and the bottom levels still cool.""

Yep,i was concerned about that too.The bonus is when it comes time to cool some of them,all you will need is a second thermostat,and not another whole rack system.
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Charles Glaspie

I use back heat, but bottom heat works VERY well too. Use what YOU prefer. The desired temp gradient DOESN'T change, so use whatever system works best for your setup, your room, your ambient temps.

Kevin,

I use back heat with 11 inch tape exclusively. With the exception of my bottom shelves on my racks wher I also provide supplimental belly heat.

I know that both means are very successful. I just find back heat more efficient and provides more of an ambient heat.

Works for me.

Mark
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www.ballpython.ca

I have been trying the new ZooMed heat cable and it sucks.One bin will be 90 in the back and the one right next to it will 84 in the back!! DON'T USE THAT STUFF!!!!!!! Sean