Rack/Tub Questions

This weekend I plan on starting to build my first rack, just 4 shelves to hold 41qt tubs. I have two females that can go in the rack right away but are 41 qts a little too big for a 900-1000 gram female? Would it be better to use 4" or 12" heat tape? And what exactly is the aspen/pine substrate you all use? I only use paper towels, but am thinking about switching one of my females.
Thanks!!

I usually don't move them into 41 qt until they are breeding weight, at least 1500g. I use this awesome paper from uline.com for substraint. It's basically newspaper not printed on and comes in a roll. Lasts forever and is cheap!


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In order:

1. 41 quarts is fine.
2. 11" heat tape.
3. Definitely not pine. I've just switched to paper towels, I don't think I'll ever switch back.

You could throw a hide in there to offer reduced space.

4" heat tape from Reptile Basics is 6 watts per foot and the 12 " is 23 watts. The commercial racks come with 4" which I think is safer if the t-stat fails in the "on" position. I only use the larger heat tape for back heat, not belly heat.

I used to use aspen sani-chips but switched to either paper towels or heavy cage/tub liners. I clean more often but it's easier. Try both ways and decide.

I will wait a little to move her, but when I do I will put a couple hides in there. Cool thats what I was thinking, but when I was reading through some rack builds I saw a few people talking about 11" flexwatt. I'll go with 4". Thanks for the suggestions

Cshneider: do you use the Bogus paper? I have been thinking of trying it

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Originally Posted by alexr

Cshneider: do you use the Bogus paper? I have been thinking of trying it

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I think it's just called newspaper or newsprint. It comes in a few different widths. I got the 12". I also got a holder for the roll so you can just pull and tear easily.


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