Another rack question

Okay, so I am haveing a horrible time trying to fit anything into my room now. I is so packed and I even got rid of my bed and put in a futon so I have more room. Im thinking about doing all racks except for the new upcoming snake. So here are my questions.... dont forget, im a noob to the racks.
1. When building a rack, do you keep the lids on the encloser or do you make the shelves so close that you dont need the lids?
2. Do you have to use belly heat or can you just use flexwatt on the back?
and ill get more questions for all of you.
Thanks
PJ

Hey PJ. I think it's easier to not have to worry about lids..i prefer just sliding the tub in and out.

You can use belly or back heat. I've heard that back heat can be a little more difficult to regulate...i am not certain on that because personally i prefer belly heat.

I recently made a 1960 rack and all i did was cut out my shelves, sides, and back first. I screwed the bottom to the sides and laid a tub in it. laid a shelf on top of the tub and screwed it in. repeat as many times as necessary. Also, I was going to do backheat and realized it would not get my temps high enough so I put some flexwatt on the ground and my tubs are REAL tight now. Put something thin underneath when you are screwing it in to give a little extra give. I have to prop my feet on the rack to pull the tubs now