The Rack Is Here! I have a couple questions

Ok I just bought an animal plastics rack about 1 month ago and it arrived today. I built it and installed the belly heat (heat cable?). I have all my new tubs from target (which the rack was built for) and I'm wondering about ventilation... do I have to drill holes for all of the tubs? (*crosses fingers* please say no) I'm also having a hard time finding out where I should place my probe(herpstat ND) because its not felxwatt. There are little grooves in the middle of each shelf on the back and the instructions did not mention what they where for. The belly heat cable is placed in its own set of grooves so I have no clue what to due with the probe.

I have a camera on hand... just say so if you need pics.

Thanks,

Yes you do need to drill (or in my case melt) holes in all of the tubs. Just be sure to melt a few holes and then add the water dish. Let it stabilize awhile and then add more holes as needed.

I am not familiar with the heat cable, but I would think that you would place the probe on the heat cable same as the flexwatt. Hopefully someone with that setup can chime in. I have my probe placed in the middle rack flexwatt and buried under tape.

I hope that helps some.

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

Yes you do need to drill (or in my case melt) holes in all of the tubs. Just be sure to melt a few holes and then add the water dish. Let it stabilize awhile and then add more holes as needed.

I am not familiar with the heat cable, but I would think that you would place the probe on the heat cable same as the flexwatt. Hopefully someone with that setup can chime in. I have my probe placed in the middle rack flexwatt and buried under tape.

I hope that helps some.

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Yes half of my problem is sovled, that you very much. What could i use to melt holes other than a soldering(sp) iron. How many holes should i start with and what size?

I use a soldering iron. You may be able to drill, but I've heard that sometimes they crack the plastic. Those are only two methods that I'm familiar with sorry. :oops:

What size tubs are you using?

I have 10 15qt tubs and 1 32qt tub.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

I use a soldering iron. You may be able to drill, but I've heard that sometimes they crack the plastic. Those are only two methods that I'm familiar with sorry. :oops:

What size tubs are you using?

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Yes its possible to crack the tubs if you push the drill to fast.You can place some duct tape around the edges that you want to drill holes in but still take it slow.

Ok I made 2 test tubs on the very top with drilled holes and all. I took a probe from an acurite and taped the probe in the center of where a hide is going to be when I move my babies. I previously hooked up the thermostat and taped the probe directly on the heat cable and set the t-stat at 95 degrees. I let the rack warm to 95 then placed the tub in. After waiting about 15 minutes the temperature on the acurite only reads 82.4 and when I feel a tube it only feels warm exactly where the cable is. I'm extremely confused on how this rack is going to warm my snakes. Below is a diagram.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...6/untitled.bmp

Soldering the holes is very simple; it does create some yucky fumes, but it is over in seconds. I can't think of anything other than a soldering gun that'd work..

/bump

thanks but i'm just going to drill. My big problem is that fact that my tubs aren't getting heated. please view the post above.

I would try to put the probe on the cable.

I have a Sterilite 1960 rack from them with the heat cable. The grooves in the back part of the rack perpendicular to the cable grooves are for placing the probe of your thermostat. I use a Helix DBS-1000 and the probe fits snugly into the groove. I put a piece of foil tape over it to hold it in place, just to be safe. I remember reading on one of the forums that someone had a problem getting the probe in that groove because the probe was too big for the groove. I can't remember what brand the t-stat was though. Also, the plastic takes a while to warm up. I gave it a day of warming up before I messed around with the temps. If your room is cooler, you could also place foil tape over the cable to dissipate the heat too. DO NOT use duct tape, as it is not made for heating applications. It will melt and become a sticky mess! I was concerned with the cable when I got the rack also, but after using it for almost nine months everything is great and am in the process of switching over eveything to AP stuff.

happy holidays,
Josh:carouse:

Well before I left for work this morning I placed the probe in the groove you are referring to. I taped it down with standard house tape and set the t-stat (herpstat ND) to 95. Well Ill be damned if I didn't come home to find the acurite read perfect temperatures. The herpstat ND's probe fit perfectly into the groove, no problem there. my last concern is humidity. I'm drilling holes now for it but I know everything will change during the summer.

Thanks to all who to took the time to help me out and share the wonderfull knowledge you have gained. I find this thread to be a success!

Thanks Again,