Hatchling Rack Idea

Hey Guys,

They were throwing this aluminum shelf out at work and I nabbed it. :D The shelves are 9 inches x 30 inches. My question to you guys is whether or not you have used aluminum shelving as a rack (I have a grounded Herpstat that I am going to use on it) and what do you recommend that I use for a heat source?

I was thinking of using belly heat as they have these ridges under each shelf that looks like it would be perfect for either heat tape or heat wire. I would prefer heat wire but I am curious to your thoughts. Here are some pictures.

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...0924-00334.jpg

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...0924-00335.jpg

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...0924-00338.jpg

Cheers!

I've seen multipule racks built from metal like materials. I would say heat cable should do good. I just wonder if it would heat the whole thing up, from above and below and even long wise. But like I said I've seen ppl use metal like shelves and never really complained about the heat. I would start on it and check you tempts. Even one the aluminum it's self.

Yeah, I would test it out, but I think with the right setup you could have a very effective rack since metal conducts heat so well.

It could work but aluminum tends to heat up more rapidly and more uniformly than steel. It will hold the heat but will also transfer the heat along the length of the shelf/area you're heating, making it harder to localize the heat source, if that makes sense. Basically if you're trying to heat one end of your tub, you stand a good chance of heating the entire tub if you're using an aluminum rack, depending on the alloy of the material. I'd say set it up and give it a shot but just keep an eye on the temps on the entire shelf as opposed to just the area that has the heat tape or cable attached, as you might end up unintentionally heating the entire area, rather than creating the thermal gradient effect. Good luck and hope it works out!