New rack running... A couple last questions

Ok so I am moving my BP from a cage to a rack. Now before I move her in I have been running tests to get everything right.

Quick review:
Humidity 65% with aspen bedding
41 Qt tubs
6 tubs high
Closed sided melamine
12"x12" THG heat tape used for belly heat controlled by Herpstat 1
Cool sides are 77-81 depending on which tub.

Now my question has to to withy hot side temps. The temps range from 89-95 on the bottom of the tubs under the substrate. Now the 95 is a pretty small spot ( about an inch) around it is 93-94 in that tub. The rest all seem to be in perfect range. This is as close as I can get things to work. Is the small 96 spot something I have to worry about?

That size heat tape is a little large for the hot spot. You want to make sure the hot spot is measured under the substrate and 90-92 is ideal. IMO I would lower the tstat a little and shoot for 90-92.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WmHrbst

That size heat tape is a little large for the hot spot. You want to make sure the hot spot is measured under the substrate and 90-92 is ideal. IMO I would lower the tstat a little and shoot for 90-92.

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Agreed. Lower the thermostat just a hair (maybe a degree) and then it should be fine.

As for the humidity, you might consider drilling a hole or two in the tubs so the humidity isn't quite so high. You only need it that high when the snake is in shed.

Thanks. I have lowered it 2 degrees. I will see how that works. I just don't want the coolest tub below 88 in the hit spot. I know I am not putting snakes in the other tubs yet but I want the kinks out before I put anything in it. Thanks everyone.

I have one bare tub and it is at 80-90. I think once I added the aspen it added insulation. I have fresh aspen in the rack so I am guessing the humidity should drop but time will tell. I have this in my living room and each tub has 10 1/4" holes in it. I don't want to loose too much heat either. Once I get temps right I will work on humidity.

Where are you placing the probe and what are you using to measure the hot spot?

The probe for the tstat is in a groove in the melamine shelf under the heat tape. The wire below the probe is hot glued to ensure it stays put. The heat tape is taped down over top of said groove.

I measure temps with a digital temp gun and also have a distal thermometer with probe and another hygrometer/thermometer. All thermometers are within .5 of each other. I have had two bad thermometers so far and one of those was the first I ever bought. Caused me Freud with my Beardie in the beginning and now I double up on everything. I am just waiting for a second tstat for a failsafe. That is coming soon.

My tstat is set for 96.5 and this rack is in my living room with 72 ambient. I know that may be a little challenge but so far seems like it will work. The bottom tub is a little cool. 77 on cool side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WmHrbst

That size heat tape is a little large for the hot spot. You want to make sure the hot spot is measured under the substrate and 90-92 is ideal. IMO I would lower the tstat a little and shoot for 90-92.

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This size heat tape was recommended by members on here that also had racks in cooler rooms. Judging from the gradient they were right on the money. I would love to have a snake room and run 6" tape but that isn't in the cards for a number of years ;). I shoulda ruin that about 2" of the tape is at the back of the rack and doesn't lie directly under the Sterelite tub because of the handle and angle of the tub walls.

Thanks for the input though. I had a hard time with heat tape decisions as well as belly heat vs back heat. I have been planning for almost two months. I very indecisive. The forum has been a wealth of info and help from folks like your self.

Thanks again everyone.

All sounds good based on what you said :gj: I would just lower the hot spot a tad and the rest is good to go.

Sounds like a good setup. I'm sure that humidity will drop 10-15% when the substrate dries out a little. I've building the same style rack. Even buying a Herpstat 1 also. The only differences are that I'll be using 15" long pieces of 12" wide THG heat tape. And probably going with paper towels as my substrate since I'll be living in Houston, TX where humidity is higher. As a bonus I'll probably put a thin layer of insulation just inside all 3 walls. I'm doing everything in construction that I can to keep my temps perfect and easy to manage.

If the humidity doesn't drop I will add a couple more holes in the sides. I didn't realize how well the humidity was going to hold. I started off with cypress which went up to 95%! I couldn't get it below 90%.

I hope the aspen dries out.