New Project

It rained here today so I started my new project. A Rack. At the moment it holds six 27qt tubs. I have enough room for one more level. My big question is about heating it. I am going to get flexwatt and another ranco thermostat for it. Should I go with belly or back heat? And what size flexwatt? My temps in the house are aroung 75.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../9/9/rack2.jpg

Hopefully this will be escape proof!!!:D

Thanks
Trey

belly... belly... belly...

Belly is always best.

very nice rack. how long did it take you to make it??

Another vote for belly. Also if that's plywood the underside of each shelf that acts as the top for a tub should be sealed if its not. I can't really tell from the pics but the moisture from the tubs can be absorbed into the wood possibly breaking down the wood, promoting mold, and/or causing any glues to give off fumes. -worst case scenario but things to consider.

I got the wood cut a Lowes. Then stained and sealed the wood. I got the wood and painted it in about 4 hours. then let it dry for a day and put it together in about an hour. I plan to give it at least another week to air out before any snakes will go in. So will one strip of 3" work on each level or should I use 11"? Each level is 17" by 24".Thanks
Trey

I vote belly heat also and would go with 3 or 4 inch flexwatt so they can choose whether or not to lay on the heat.

I am building my rack in the next week. Can you tell me did you screw the shelves in and are they predrilled?

I predrilled the holes then used 1 1/4" drywall screws. So it looks like I am going with belly heat for each level.
Thanks for everyones help!
Trey

Hey Trey, it looks great! Glad to see you're going with belly heat! Is your avatar the little one that escaped? I don't believe I've heard if you've found her yet or not?

The one in my avatar was the one that got out. I found her and she is in the middle of eating a rat pinky at the moment. So everything is going great here.
Thanks
Trey

You might want to do some testing to determine the size of FW. I use 3" but room temp rarely drops below 80. With this temp I don't need an element for the cool side of my tubs. 5 degrees could make the difference of needing larger FW...or a second element for the cool side. Testing will give the answers you need.