Back or Belly heat

[uservant]

Got a couple of balls coming in the near future and was wondering should i Just get Belly heat or is Back heat sufficient for about a 32 qt tub. Opinions or advice welcomed I'm a noob.

[kavmon]

belly heat rocks!!



vaughn

[MarkS]

For a 32 qt tub, either one would be fine. I take it that this 32 qt tub is about 16" X 24" or something similar? If the tub were longer I'd defiantly go with belly heat, but with one that short either way would work. If you're building your own rack, back heat is a lot easier to install. What kind of rack or cage are you planning on using?

Mark

[ECLARK]

Belly heat has always worked well for me, and I know the Ball Pythons like it.


All you have to do is observe the snakes a day or two after they have eaten and they are on top of the heat tape and digesting there food.

[Nate]

either will work. i think a majority prefer belly heat

[rabernet]

I prefer belly heat, and when I was shopping for my first rack, I had to eliminate some vendors who only offered back heat, but I would have purchased from had they offered belly heat.

[Kizerk]

i prefer belly heat,i like the idea of heat that's touching the snake's belly while it's digesting

[uservant]

K thanks gents looking at reptile basics right now, thought the belly heat would be the choice just want to make sure thanks again

[tmlowe5704]

If the surface temps are the same, I don't see the difference.

[Rapture]

I have heard a couple of things:

Belly heat is better for a rack that will be set up in a room with temps that can drop below 75 degrees.

Back heat works just as well or better for racks housing smaller tubs, as it provides a better horizontal gradient. The temps will distribute evenly from the back to the front of the tub, as opposed to belly heat, as it will provide more of a concentrated basking spot in a more concentrated area.

Back heat should not be used for deeper tubs, as it will not provide enough heat to reach the cool end.