Rack heating question , belly or back and how to do it

[Jonnyb]

I built a rack the other day for hatchlings and now i realized i dont know how to heat or wire it up .. so im gonna build a new one hopfully before Xmass but my question is the following

these are for ball pythons

belly Vs back heat . it doesnt really mater does it ? as long as the hgot said is 90-92 correct? or does it mater ....

my understanding is for back heat you use heat tape and stick it to the back very simple but what if something goes wrong and you need to replace the heat.. you need to take the whole rack apart to get at it , so do you make the back wall a door or something ?

and for belly heat flexwatt... say you have 6 levels you need six plugs then correct? and can you rest the tub on the flexwatt or will it melt the tub ??

[RichsBallPythons]

Belly heat is better than back heat.

Heres thread i made on soldering flexwatt
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100885

Heres a rack showing you how to install flexwatt.

This link shows picture to wire flexwatt in series on one plug
http://www.herpcenter.com/images/hea...arallel1lg.gif

[Jonnyb]

Ok thanks that help , for the wiring all them together you just soder them as well ? but instead of doing on wire you do them both at the same time correct ? dont know if i trust myself with this i dont need to burn down the house......

and can i place the tubs ontop of this or will they melt ? im going to use the foil tape underneith the flexwatt and to hold the flexwatt down can this foil touch the outside of the flexxwatt . Or will this sort it all out and cause a fire ?

[RichsBallPythons]

Place the tubs on top of the flexwatt for best heat transfer. And be sure to have a reliable thermostat controlling the heat as well.

youll need 2 extension cords. one that will plug into the t-stat and hte other cut up into sections to solder piece to piece. I twist the wires together to make it easier when connecting them together.

[Jonnyb]

ok perfect thanks . and last question sorry . im guessing i have to buy the flexwatt in the length i need i can't cut it correct?

[hovafl]

I agree belly heat it the best. The heat tape doesn't generate enough heat to melt the containers. Depending on the surface the heat tape is on, the foil tape is a good idea to help maintain higher temperatures.

[Jonnyb]

and the foil tape can go underneith it and then ontop of it on the sides to hold it down without risking anything ? i couldnt find any pictures of someone using it like that only heard about it any pictures on here ?

[RichsBallPythons]

You have to order it in the total length you need and cut it your self.

Tape the flexwatt down on the sides ONLY. otherwise youll cause a fire hazzard covering the whole thing.

[Jonnyb]

ah ok so you just cut it anywhere you want two im guessing between the black lines correct? ,

and cover just the side with the tape yes but i can cover the bottom of the self in foil that wont be a fire hazard will it

[RichsBallPythons]

ah ok so you just cut it anywhere you want two im guessing between the black lines correct? ,

and cover just the side with the tape yes but i can cover the bottom of the self in foil that wont be a fire hazard will it

yes never cut on the black ever.

and you can put foil under it thats fine. Just never on top since heat rises and being taped over would not allow all the heat to escape. Just the edges will be good