temp for BP

We just picked a a snake rack with 3" heat tape at the back, we got it all set it up and was wondering what temp to set the rack at?

What temperature is the room the rack is in?

I would start by setting it to 92, then adjusting as needed. Give it at least 30 minutes inbetween adjustments so the new temperature can settle in.

We are not sure on the room temp, no thermometer in the room. I guess I will need to go and pick one up. We have it set right now at 83F, should that be ok till we pick up a thermometer tomorrow?

If you mean you have the heat tape set at 83F, that is going to be too low. Do as Aaron suggested and start out at 92F and adjust from there.

I'd second that slim and Aarons, set it to 92 and give it some time the first adjustment you might want to wait a bit more time than 30 min as it takes time to warm the mass of the rack but after that first adjustment 30 min is fine. Are there snakes in it or is it empty?

If it is empty and you have time I like to find the unregulated max temp so I just plug it in the wall for an hour or so (don't leave stick around) and measure the temp. It will tell you how badly you need a fail safe. I have enclosures that max out at 100 and ones that max at 190º at 100 a failsafe is a question mark at 190 a necessity.

Room temps are part of the rack temp control, typically they are set to 80º to hold the ambient and cool end temp.

Yes I have the probe taped to the heat tape and it was 83F, I set it at 92F now and I will be going to get a thermometer today to monitor the room. Also do I need to set a night drop on the temp? Or could I just leave it a let say 92F if that the right setting?

Thanks for all the help this is our first rack system, we always keep the snakes in tanks before.

Night drops are not necessary.