Rack system heating

[gusanr14]

Hello,

I am planning on adding one more ball python soon when the repticon comes. So, I am going to build a 2 level wooden rack for now.
I wanted to know how people with rack system heat their rack.. Of course, mine is only going to be 2 level so I don't know if it is comparable to people with bigger collection but I wanted to know some stuff about heat tape when it comes to rack system.

I saw different kinds of set up with heat tape but the one I was thinking was using one long heat tape and bend it between first and second level. So my main question would be is it safe to bend the heat tape like that? and use one thermostat to control both level?
I saw where they connected all the heat tape with cables between levels without bending but I have no idea how to do it, so my best bet was just one long piece bending to have it on both level. Planning on using 6 inch heat tape for 34 qt tub.
Give me some tips or advice please! Thank you.

[Ax01]

hullo.

Hello,

I am planning on adding one more ball python soon when the repticon comes. So, I am going to build a 2 level wooden rack for now.
I wanted to know how people with rack system heat their rack..

i use heat tape in my racks and they're set up for belly heat.

Of course, mine is only going to be 2 level so I don't know if it is comparable to people with bigger collection but I wanted to know some stuff about heat tape when it comes to rack system.

I saw different kinds of set up with heat tape but the one I was thinking was using one long heat tape and bend it between first and second level. So my main question would be is it safe to bend the heat tape like that? and use one thermostat to control both level?

don't bend the heat tape in anyway that will create a crease. most peeps will tape the heat tape down (w/ foil tape) to hold it in place as it's snaked through the shelves, but some dont. they keep it loose at the sides and just tape down the floor so they can slide the tubs in and out. u can use 1 thermostat for this as long as it's 1 strip and your thermostat can handle the total wattage of heat tape being used.

I saw where they connected all the heat tape with cables between levels without bending but I have no idea how to do it, so my best bet was just one long piece bending to have it on both level. Planning on using 6 inch heat tape for 34 qt tub.

that's called parallel wiring or daisy chain wiring. i did this w/ the first rack i built myself. make sure each strip of heat tape is the same size and length for uniform wattage and don't cross your wires. this vid shows u how to do it using the clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y24R0B1n5Sg

alternately, since u are only building a simple 2 level rack, u can use 2 pre-made heat pads if u want. u can run them off separate thermostats or plug both heatpads into 1 powerstrip and plug that powerstrip into 1 thermostat as long as the heat pads are the same wattage.

Give me some tips or advice please! Thank you.

your welcome. maybe others will chime in as well w/ their tips and tricks.