Another Snake Rack Question

I've noticed that some racks are fully enclosed, except for the front, while some racks are open (no sides). Does this make any difference as far as heating goes? I would assume that a fully enclosed rack would keep heat better? If so, why do they make open rack systems?

What are the pros and cons?

I have an open rack. I think it works just the same. A closed rack may offer a little bit of insulation, but it's nothing drastic. The only thing that an enclosed rack truly offers is a sense of security. If you don't want to bother with hides, then an enclosed rack is best. Since mine is open, I offer all my snakes hides in both the back and front. They seem to do well. My temps and humidity stay pretty constant.

I have an enclosed rack system and I do provide hides in each tub. I'm not sure if that's necessary but my neighbor says it is. :)

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Originally Posted by digizure

I have an enclosed rack system and I do provide hides in each tub. I'm not sure if that's necessary but my neighbor says it is. :)

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IMO it depends on the snake. One of my girls eats better with a hide so I offer her one. All the rest are fine without one though.

Fully encloused racks hold heat in better.

The only reason why they make open sided racks is to reduce costs.

Typically racks are kept in warmer than normal rooms often 80º or close to it. This provides correct ambient air temps and cool side temps and just a touch more heat to maintain a hot spot. It makes little to no difference under these conditions. this is the way most racks are set up. If you are attempting to run a rack in normal or below room temps most find that a secondary heat source to hold cool end temps. These conditions the closed body rack make a monster difference they hold much more heat I find my racks will hold a max of 6 degrees over room with out modifications as my room is below normal temps (66º and lower) I need all the help I can get.

I see. The room I keep my snake rack in can get pretty cold in the winter so I better stick with enclosed rack system. I feed my snakes in another bin.