rack systems

I have always used critter tank or breeder tanks. But I need more room .So I'm thinking about tring the rack system Do you put the flexwatt on the back of the rack or on the shelf. what about basking light? I use a small cat litter box for a water dish in my 40 gallon breeder tanks so they can soak if they want. I have one female that is over 1800 grams she fills the litter box (water bowl) full of snake. When you use tubs can you still use big water dishes? Any reply will be helpful. Thanks

Quote:

---

Do you put the flexwatt on the back of the rack or on the shelf.

---

The most efficient way to provide proper temps is by providing belly heat.

Quote:

---

what about basking light?

---

BP do not need any additional light all they need is a cool side and a warm side provided by the heat tape.

Quote:

---

When you use tubs can you still use big water dishes?

---

I have 2 racks and the largest water dish I use is 5 inches in diameter, healthy mite free BP rarely soak so an oversize water dish is not necessary and a waste of space.

So is normal room lighting enough. They hardly ever soak and it does take a lot of space. I guess if you keep the humidity right they want need too. Come to think of it I don't think I have ever seen my blood drink or soak. Thanks alot.

At this time the general consensus of most breeders is they really do not need a day/night cycle lamp. This is based on the fact that most of them stay in rodent holes below ground through out the day and only come out at night to hunt. Based on this we do not supply day/night light cycles for our snakes other that the light that comes through the window in the room. Granted while ball pythons are popular snakes I think the hobby of keeping them is still evolving. 5-10 years from now it could very well be proven day and night cycles are beneficial!

Most pet stores recommend a heat lamp since either A. They don't know ball pythons and base it off reptiles in general. Or B. They believe you will be keeping it in an aquarium which is known to have problems maintaining the proper heat levels for ball pythons. If B is the reason and they really know what they are talking about they will make tons of other recommendations on setting it up as well.

All of my racks to date have been made with belly heat. Others have had great success and swear by back heat. I may have to try back heat on a rack just to see how it works, but then again most ball python owners stick with what works and changes what doesn't and belly heat has worked for us! :)

Also in our larger tubs, 32 qt and 41 qt, we use a 7 1/2" ceramic water dish!

For the 41qt rack I'll be building, I plan to use belly heat for the warm sides and 'side' heat (strip mounted to a side panel) for the cool side. Lights are usually only needed if you live in a cold place and can't afford to keep your house above 72 in the winter(like me), thus the lamp raises ambient temps. Since my rack will be open side/open back except for the pegboard side panel with the cool side flexwatt, if I need additional ambient heat I can clamp a lamp or two to shine on the back. :) At least, that's the plan.

Thanks alot you've all been alot of help....