My rack idea, comments?

Well, just gonna toss another opinion out here for the heck of it. I have racks that use both, some have back heat and some have belly heat. From my limited experience with racks over the last couple years, I really just don't see much difference, and it's been my thought that as long as they get the gradient they need, how you get there is less important than making sure they have the temps they need.

As far as regulating temperature, what kind of devices can I buy to hook the heat tape to, input a temperature and have the device put the heat tape to that exact temperature?

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

As far as regulating temperature, what kind of devices can I buy to hook the heat tape to, input a temperature and have the device put the heat tape to that exact temperature?

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A thermostat! :gj:

My recommendation: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Dang those are pretty expensive, any cheaper ones since I only have 6 bins/1 rack?

How much did you spend on your snakes? IMO, spending an additional $150 or so to keep them (and your home) safe isn't something I'd think twice about.

There are cheaper options, but they don't have the built-in safety features or reliability that the above ones I referenced do, which is why I don't personally recommend them.

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

As far as regulating temperature, what kind of devices can I buy to hook the heat tape to, input a temperature and have the device put the heat tape to that exact temperature?

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Heat tape running wide open isnt a smart option to start with.
Remember your temperature on the tape is going to be a little lower than inside the tub so you will still need a non contact thermometer to check your tubs.
Not only are you placung a value on your reptiles but also your safety.

You are being given a lot of good advice here.
And no belly heat is not NEEDED but then again back heat isnt either if you heat your room.

Yeah very true. I spent a total of $425 on all of my snakes and $35 on 10 28qt tubs. I have a heat gun to check temps inside tubs so that's good, I just need to get the thermostat

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Originally Posted by aLittleLessButter

Is back heat that inferior to belly heat when it comes to racks? every breeder I know uses at least a couple back heated racks. When I built mine, I set it up for belly heat but I just recently bought a rack that is equipped with back heat so Im curious to see what more experience folks have to say

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Different situation might make someone favor one over the other. For example if a room is cold, you might need belly heat since you can get more surface area heated, compared to back heat. If getting your ambient temps up is not an issue, I have found back heat to be more consistent because there is no substrate on top of it ( I use cypress), just the back of the tub. Also it doesn't get worn out from a sliding a tub

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

I understand the need for belly heat for feeding purposes, but as I said earlier I have rocks in my tubs that act as natural heating pads (mimic a hot rock in the wild) wouldn't this be enough belly heat for them if I used the tape as back heat?

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There is not a need for belly heat for feeding or digestion.

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

Dang those are pretty expensive, any cheaper ones since I only have 6 bins/1 rack?

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While I have never used them, I made a thread asking for the cheapest thermostat: this seemed to be the cheapest one recommend by some: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S Not that it makes it a good thermostat, its not proportional, no night drop, no mechanical safety, no other features at all pretty much, but it much better than going unregulated.

I think I'll do bellyheat since I don't have a specific room for them. As far as hides go, if they're in a rack do they really need a hide since it'll be dark in the tub?

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Originally Posted by f22raptor95

As far as hides go, if they're in a rack do they really need a hide since it'll be dark in the tub?

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Depends on the animal, most of mine don't have a hide however several use one when offered.