Belly Heat or Back Heat for racks?

I would like to know what is the best type of heat for the snakes in a rack. I recently made a rack for a variety of snakes that I have and I used rear heat in the rack and it seems to be working well. I was wondering if one is better than the other. I know that back heat is more cost efficient than belly heat because you buy less heat tape, but which is better?

I think it is according to the rack design. Belly heat is probally better but if your rack is completely enclosed then back heat will work just fine. We just built a melamine rack enclosed with solid sides and back and it holds heat very well with back heat. If you have open sides or back I would think belly heat would be the best option.

Either one can be made to work well. Like was mentioned above, sometimes it depends on rack design. Room configuration also plays a part. Is it in a designated herp room that's kept warmer than normal? The size of the actual tubs can probably play a part as well.

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Originally Posted by jordy1380

I know that back heat is more cost efficient than belly heat because you buy less heat tape, but which is better?

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i'm not sure i follow this,back heat usually requires much more wattage seeing that it's less effiecent which means more electric cost and more thermostats in multi rack set ups.have fun!

A lot has to do with the ambient temp of your room as well, if your room is cool I would recommend belly heat over back heat. (it would be much more efficient)

Note: Made a poll for you ;)

It's really going to come down to the room the rack is being kept in. If your ambient temperatures are being controlled for the entire room, back heat will be enough to give your snakes the hot spot they need. However, if you'll be keeping it in a room that isn't maintained specifically for the reptiles, you'll probably be better off with belly heat.

I personally don't see any advantage to back heat ever. What is more is that I also don't see when it would ever be easier to install. Maybe that's just me. I am and will always use belly heat.

Back heat is usually for hatchlings or if incubating but i would recommend belly heat

I use back heat in my RBI racks and the homemade racks that I have. They are fully enclosed racks and room temp is always between 78-82F. The temp gradient is perfect and my snakes are doing great, so I guess it's working out just fine.
If room temps are cool I would certainly do belly heat.

Belly heat for me :gj: