Closet balls??

Ok so I have no room but I am dying to get some more snakes....I could use the family room but my lazy "big" brother refuses to move out and mom wont make him *sigh*....anyway I was brainstorming and I realized I have a rather large closet! I could clear it out (maybe even take the door off) and I could use that....but the problem is while it was about 72 in the closet all day yesterday it gets pretty cold during the winter....how would you suggest getting and keeping the temps up in there? Also, should the be somewhere else? Lol I didn't know where to out this ;) thanks in advance!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would buy a space heater with a good thermostat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by stickyalvinroll

I would buy a space heater with a good thermostat

---

Do you have any recommendations? And how much do you think it would raise the electric bill?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been using this one for a year now (hooked up to a Ranco thermostat) with great results: http://www.target.com/p/holmes-hoh30..._qi_detaillink

I couldn't tell you how much it is really impacting the electricity bills, but I know it's $40/month LESS than when I had a blower-style heater. One additional recommendation I have is to get "twin draft guards" to block the crack under the door and hold the heat in better. I got mine off Amazon, but have seen them at Hope Depot, also.

I think a space heater in the closet *may* be a fire hazard. Other than that, I see no reason why not. My snake room is essentially a large closet I suppose.

If you have one anywhere near you, you might be able to find a small heat unit at a marine supply. I work at a boat yard and we use small heaters/heat units meant for tiny spaces all the time, most of them are adjustable too (though I second the t-stat idea)

Ok so mom won't let me put a heater in the closet because it's a fire hazard....I could take the door off...do you guys think it would make my room hot though?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rack system with flexwatt tape. I don't see the need to heat the whole room.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheSnakeGuy

Rack system with flexwatt tape. I don't see the need to heat the whole room.

---

Considering it gets mid to low 60s in the winter wouldn't that throw off the ambient temps?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheSnakeGuy

Rack system with flexwatt tape. I don't see the need to heat the whole room.

---

I second this.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bsash

I second this.

---

Except he said himself that it will get cold. Flexwat doesn't help with ambient temperatures .

I have a small heater pointed at my racks to help with ambient temps.

heat both sides ofthe tub

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

heat both sides ofthe tub

---

And that would also fix ambient temps?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pale Rider 777

And that would also fix ambient temps?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

No it wouldnt. Belly heat doesnt effect ambient temps enough

you would set the other side to a lower temp with a different tstat

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

No it wouldnt. Belly heat doesnt effect ambient temps enough

---

Ok didn't think so


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

you would set the other side to a lower temp with a different tstat

---

That still wouldnt make that much of a difference for ambient air temps, which is what the OP is talking about.

Thanks for all the input everyone....I guess I'll just use stackable cages...unless you guys would know cheaper alternative? XD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had the same exact issues you where having. What i do is insulate the closet, and throw an electric blanket over my rack. The electric blanket is very energy efficient and does not pose any fire hazard.

11X12 inch flexwatt under tubs with a blanket covering the closet opening should keep the closet pretty warm.

Test it out if you can, cover the opening and turn the hot spots to 95 and I bet the closet stays plenty warm.

I never had a problem with my snakes with a 60/65ish cool spot in the winter. I did turn the heat tape up a few degrees in the winter and back down in the spring (spring hotspot was 92/93, winter was 97/98. Never had a respiratory infection or anything. My guys would seasonally go off feed seasonally, but thats normal for balls.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cinderbird

I never had a problem with my snakes with a 60/65ish cool spot in the winter. I did turn the heat tape up a few degrees in the winter and back down in the spring (spring hotspot was 92/93, winter was 97/98. Never had a respiratory infection or anything. My guys would seasonally go off feed seasonally, but thats normal for balls.

---

Thats too hot for bps imo.

Kind of unrelated, but I had a closet setup for my bearded dragons a few years ago and it worked great. I took the doors off the closet, and had 2 40gallon tanks and 1 20gallon in there. It was when I had a bunch of roommates and a very small apartment bedroom, so I had to make it work. Basking temps for dragons have to be around 100 degrees and I maintained the temps just fine (with basking bulbs) but I know it's different for BPs. Just saying it can probably be done!