Rack arrived! Couple simple questions

I'm sure I could dig these up in another thread, but they're quite quick and simple and I fail with the search engine.

Just got my AP 1533 (6) rack. It also holds 32 qt bins sideways where the heat tape goes along one of the long sides of the 32 qt bins.

- Do you use aluminum tape to hold the corners tight as the flexwatt is snaked through the rack or have faith in the T-slot to hold it properly?

- Probe around the middle shelf or should it not matter? I will have empty tubs. Is a dummy tub better than attaching the probe directly on the tape (might adjust to ambient temp shifts better?)

- People talk about snake escapes and to date I have used locking lids. Have people experienced escapes from the AP racks specifically? How can I increase security?

-I have 2x 12x12x18 Exo Terras with my geckos in them. Would anyone advise against having them on top of the rack? Will it bow under the weight? How about if I put something flat and rigid across the top first to distribute the weight?

I'm sure I'll think of something else...

EDIT: Yup. Forgot.
- The 32 qt tubs sit sideways in this rack and the heat tape runs along the long side of the bins. How do you arrange hides in this setup? I'm using RBI med (?) hides. If I put them long side tub against long side hide and diagonal from one another, it's creating quite an awkward space. If I put them against the ends, I feel the heat tape is only exposed to a very small area of the inside of the hide.

Thanks in advance.

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- Do you use aluminum tape to hold the corners tight as the flexwatt is snaked through the rack or have faith in the T-slot to hold it properly?

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Never have the heat-tape will stay in place if placed properly in the groves.

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- Probe around the middle shelf or should it not matter? I will have empty tubs. Is a dummy tub better than attaching the probe directly on the tape (might adjust to ambient temp shifts better?)

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I always place the probe in the middle and secure it with the aluminium tape that is provided.

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- People talk about snake escapes and to date I have used locking lids. Have people experienced escapes from the AP racks specifically? How can I increase security?

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Never had any escape from any of my AP racks, I have 8 of them from hatchlings to adults.

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-I have 2x 12x12x18 Exo Terras with my geckos in them. Would anyone advise against having them on top of the rack? Will it bow under the weight? How about if I put something flat and rigid across the top first to distribute the weight?

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I have a pacman from enclosure on the top of mine and it's no issue.

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- The 32 qt tubs sit sideways in this rack and the heat tape runs along the long side of the bins. How do you arrange hides in this setup?

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It really does not matter as long as they fit the snakes will re-arrange the furniture to their liking anyways.

I would follow the directions that came with the rack on installing the flexwatt, This thread should help as well:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ck-build-video

The probe needs to be on the middle shelf

I could stand on top of my AP rack, I'm fairly certain that your gecko cages will be fine.

AP racks have a pretty tight fit with their tubs... I wouldn't be too worried about escapes

I also did a video on building the 3 tier version of that rack:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jerok...&feature=g-upl

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Originally Posted by Deborah

It really does not matter as long as they fit the snakes will re-arrange the furniture to their liking anyways.

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This is so true, lol

Thanks

I also remembered another question - What types of material is not a huge fire hazard that I can use to visually cover/black out the open space on the sides and back of the rack (I got the Economy version). Anything that actually helps hold heat in and won't be a huge eye sore?

I would use something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Reflectix-6X25.../dp/B000BQNYSI

What ever tape you choose make sure it will stand up to the max temp possible with the flexwatt. I usually never use any tape rated below 200ºF.

Remember the ambient room temp will massively effect the rack temps. There is a reason why most racks are in 80ºF rooms.