Setting up Flexwatt and fire safety questions

Im planning on making my own snake rack system following this thread:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...r-s-Snake-Rack

I just had a few "nooby" question maby ya'll could help me with since im not that experienced with rack systems. I plan on breeding so im going to need one. Now im moving into a mobile home and if a fire starts in one of those things, theres no stopping it lol.

1. Where do i attach the flexwatt to this type of rack system? Do I run it down the back of the rack system or run it under the tubs?

2. How do i attach the flexwatt to the rack? I'v heard alot of breeders use foil tape to properly secure it.

3. What are the proper safety precautions i should take upon setting up the flexwatt so i don't accidently start a fire?

4. I understand flexwatt can get very hot sometimes if not wired right, what do i do to prevent this?

If anybody has any other useful info they can provide me with or any opinions on other racks that may work better for me i would highly appreciate it.

I plan on breeding Colubrids btw just in case if anyone asks.

The flexwatt should be attached to the shelfs of the rack with foil tape. it should be regulated by a good thermostat and if possible have a back up thermostat (I can explain how to do this if you want) There are 2 ways to wire flexwatt, you can either use the clips or solder wires onto the flexwatt. If you are not very good at soldering I would recommend that you have the clips installed when you order your flexwatt (Reptile Basics will do this for you at no extra charge)

Do i attach it under the tubs or above them? I never understood where people ACTUALY place their flexwatt.

And im guessing you have to buy multipule rolls of flexwatt and attach 1 strip of flexwatt to each shelf?

The flexwatt should sit on top of the shelf, directly under the tub (so the tub sits on the flexwatt)

you can either get 1 long strip of flexwatt and snake it through all of the levels, or you can have it cut into individual strips for each shelf. There is no real difference between the 2 ways.

Reptile basics will cut the flexwatt the the exact length(s) that you need as well as wire everything at no additional charge.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

The flexwatt should sit on top of the shelf, directly under the tub (so the tub sits on the flexwatt)

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Ok, thats what i figured.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

you can either get 1 long strip of flexwatt and snake it through all of the levels, or you can have it cut into individual strips for each shelf. There is no real difference between the 2 ways.

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Which would you recommend? I feel like if i snaked it that would be alot of heat and be a potential fire hazard. But then again i feel if i take individual stripes, lets say 6 for 6 shelves, it would take up an entire power strip and be just as bad.

I don't know maby im just be paranoid but i just want to play it safe lol.

The more connections that you have, the more places there are to fail. most fires are started by bad connections so I would go with snaking 1 big strip. The flexwatt that isn't under the tubs will dissipate the heat it produces very quickly unless it is enclosed by something.

Ahhh ok that makes sense, and makes me feel better lol.

Lets say i wanted to use a wooden rack system, like a small bookshelf, and it has a wooden back. Do you still recommend snaking it under all the tubs, or could i place it against the wooden back (on the inside of the rack or behind the rack itself)? Im taking into account the fact the heat will dissipate unless its covered but would either options work? Im only asking because i have a small wooden bookshelf i might convert to a snake rack instead as i feel it would be cheaper.

either will work. Personally I prefer belly heat racks over back heat. I have found that belly heat racks run their flexwatt at a lower temperature than back heat racks have to.

Wooden shelfs are a grey area in my opinion. some can handle the flexwatts heat that the humidity well, and others do not. I would probably go with a shelf like the one in the link you posted, but that is an opinion of mine and it has no data to back it up.

Only downside to having flexwatt ran in one long piece or all wired together from shelf to shelf, is you not put the entire rack in risk.

If one shelf malfunctions the entire rack malfunctions, And then you have entire rack to replace worth of flexwatt.

When I wire up a rack I use 6ft cords cut to length to minimize long cords, Each shelf is soldered to its own plug. This way if something isnt working right or stops working, I can pin point the problem fast, and fix it fast without having to redo the entire rack.


I number everything, The power strips number is which rack its powering, And numbers on the cords, represent which shelf its powering. And then each plug has a smaller number indicating which surge protector it goes to, to make sure its plugged in right power strip. I always use power strips with Light indicator that its powered on.

In the picture each powerstrip is powering only 57 watts of flexwatt. coming to 8 watts per plug. Doing this you will never stress the wires enough to ever have a problem with fire so long as your soldered connections are dont correctly.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...10900448_n.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GPUj...layer_embedded

two comments if you do decide to go with one strip remember to finish at the point where it would go to the next level and not just the bottom of the tub. It needs to match the ones below it to hold the same temps.

I would recommend a fail safe for every set up. It protects against probes being pulled away from the flexwatt and causing over heating and potential fire. Racks with the constant sliding issues tend to be prone to probe being pulled free. My advise is to plan for it and hope it doesn't happen.

http://images9.fotki.com/v114/photos...drawing-vi.jpgHosted on Fotki

Temps don't need to apply one needs to be set higher than the other.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Wooden shelfs are a grey area in my opinion. some can handle the flexwatts heat that the humidity well, and others do not. I would probably go with a shelf like the one in the link you posted, but that is an opinion of mine and it has no data to back it up.

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Yeah i may just stick with the one in the link as i already have the shelving unit and all i need to do is buy some wood and make proper adjustments. The only thing making me itch my head is how im going to snake it through the rack without making it look "ghetto ridged" lol. I guess i could put up some boards on the side.

Snaking it also is a waste of money. A lot of extra flexwatt. I am finishing up building the same type of rack then will be building a second. One is for adults and one for hatchlings. I got 36 feet of 4" flexwatt. Cost almost $100 shipped. I am wiring each shelf separately. Just something to think about.