My rack idea, comments?

I plan on making a 6 tub rack for my ball pythons (28 qt), as far as a heat source I was going to line the sides with heat tape, will this be enough heat? Or should I put it under the tubs?

You can put it on the sides, but your snakes are definitely going to need belly heat. Heat tape is very inexpensive and it goes by the foot, so for 6 tubs it would probably be less than $20. But make sure you have belly heat on your snakes.

I back heat my racks without issue

I use belly heat on my racks.

Belly heat it is! Thanks guys. Also, does it matter if the tubs get super humid? I noticed mine do

Also, is back heat what I was referring to in my original post?

I'd like to do whatever would work best with not regulating the tape. Right now I have rocks in the tub above the heat tape so it's not too hot

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

Also, is back heat what I was referring to in my original post?

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Yes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

I'd like to do whatever would work best with not regulating the tape. Right now I have rocks in the tub above the heat tape so it's not too hot

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I don't recommend using unregulated heat tape in any way, shape or form. If you don't want to get a thermostat your best option for a rack build would be something like the ultratherm pads. They produce heat but stay cool enough to be used without a stat. I've used them on stand alone tubs for years and they work great. Providing a link for you.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

You really need a thermostat to regulate the heat tape, that's asking for an injured snake. The price of a thermostat is nothing compared to vet bills. Not only can it injure snakes but the tape can get extremely hot even start a fire hot so I would not risk it at all. And yes back heat is what you asked about originally.

As for the humidity drill holes in the tubs to get some airflow, add a few on each side and add as many as you need to get your humidity at a good level. Remember you can always add more holes but you can not remove them so take it easy.

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Originally Posted by Edd_138

You can put it on the sides, but your snakes are definitely going to need belly heat. Heat tape is very inexpensive and it goes by the foot, so for 6 tubs it would probably be less than $20. But make sure you have belly heat on your snakes.

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may I ask why they need belly heat? I have found that not to be true at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

Belly heat it is! Thanks guys. Also, does it matter if the tubs get super humid? I noticed mine do

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As long as no mold grows

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

Also, is back heat what I was referring to in my original post?

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yes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

I'd like to do whatever would work best with not regulating the tape. Right now I have rocks in the tub above the heat tape so it's not too hot

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There nothing that could be considered safe at all without regulation. Get a thermostat to make life easy.