New Rack Questions

I will be ordering the Reptile basics rack 4 tub 32 qt. I have a few questions.

1. Should I order belly heat or back heat? My temps in house is usually around 72 degrees
2. Where should I put the probe for the thermostat? I have 2 probes(Herpstat II)
3. Does the tubs need hide boxes? Ive seen alot without them.
4. Is unprinted paper good for substrate?
5. Will I need to make holes in the tubs?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tideguyinva

I will be ordering the Reptile basics rack 4 tub 32 qt. I have a few questions.

1. Should I order belly heat or back heat? My temps in house is usually around 72 degrees
2. Where should I put the probe for the thermostat? I have 2 probes(Herpstat II)
3. Does the tubs need hide boxes? Ive seen alot without them.
4. Is unprinted paper good for substrate?
5. Will I need to make holes in the tubs?

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1) I gotta say 72 is probably too cool to get your ambient temps up high enough with either belly heat or back heat. You may need a space heater. I have same racks with belly heat and keep my room at 77 and everything is perfect.

2) My opinion is directly on the heat tape in the 2nd from the top slot (this is the hottest slot). Some will say in the tub, but I think on the tape is safer.

3) I use hides, some don't. You can make them yourself.

4) I used printed newspaper, it works great. Unprinted would work great too.

5) Yes, probably, or your humidity will be way too high. Go to your local hardware store and get a decent sized soldering iron (meaning the one NOT with the tiny 1/8" tip). I think mine has about 1/4" or larger tip to give good sized holes. Use good ventilation. I gotta say this is my least favorite part of new tubs. If anyone comes up with a better way please let me know. Maybe I could use a drill and then the soldering iron just to soften the sharp edges left from the bit.

Hope that helps,

JonV