Rack heat????

So as mycollection grows I am running out of room and w my snakes being ready to breed next year I need a place to keep them so I decided to make a rack I have a idea of how,i,want to make it but I havent got the slighest idea about the heat.

How do I set up flexwatt for a rack. Do I need more that one t-stat so over whelming so I am glad im do it way in advance please help I have looked at the DIY SECTION but have not gotten any clues as how to set up my heat for it


please help I dont want to be in trouble when I hatch babies next,year

lay down a strip on each shelf, wire it all together, plug comes out the end, plug it into a tstat, your done.

its really depends on what kinda rack ur building. U can order ur flexwatt im using 3inch for mines make sure to get the clamps and end protectors they just make it safer and some foil tape to cover and protect ur heat tape. Normally u will need to place one strip per shelf then plug into ur Themostat. put ur probe depending on what how many layers u have on the middle level. DIRECTLY ON THE TAPE and secure it with foil tape. then ur pretty much setup BUT WAIT!!!! dont put ur snakes in just yet monitor ur temps for a day or so and ur hum to make sure they are stable you may need to play with the therm to get the right temp. When all is stable u can put them in there. Be sure to have the tubs completely setup and in the rack for a day that way its accurate as possible. I added installation to mines as a way to keep the heat steady and Ive had an easy time with ambient temps. hope this helps I am by no means a subject matter expert this is just something that worked for me

Hatchling Rack- Back Heat
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3688.jpg
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3690.jpg

6qt rack Belly Heat
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3186.jpg

Wired to their own plug. Tstat probe taped to flexwatt.
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/100_3635.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Hatchling Rack- Back Heat
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3688.jpg
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3690.jpg

6qt rack Belly Heat
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/100_3186.jpg

Wired to their own plug. Tstat probe taped to flexwatt.
http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/100_3635.jpg

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nice rack u every think of using foil installion on the back may save u some on ur energy bill :)

All my racks are enclosed on the backs with .25 pegboard. No need for the insulation on the racks.

how wide is that flexwatt?

On the back heat rack, is there a reason that they are on separate plugs, rather than soldered in series?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LizardPants

On the back heat rack, is there a reason that they are on separate plugs, rather than soldered in series?

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Not to waste power when shelf isnt in use.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichsBallPythons

Not to waste power when shelf isnt in use.

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You can still wire them in a series. Just wire a small inline switch between each level and switch off the highest level you aren't using. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottNBecky

You can still wire them in a series. Just wire a small inline switch between each level and switch off the highest level you aren't using. :D

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Thats a waste of time and more money buying switches. When i can just solder extension cords to each shelf for $1 per cord.

I got the switches for .48 each lol but to each his own I like the fact that it cuts down on the clutter.

I just built an 11 tub, single stack rack. I used 11 inch flex wat, 6 foot long. Strapped it to the back, only needed one cord.. Works great...