Heating tape question!

​***MAIN QUESTION***
I have 40Qt tubs with 3in heat tape installed in the back of the rack (short side). Is that enough for fully grown BPs or should I add another 3in section in front of the one already in there? This might sound like a silly question, but I'm going from glass tanks to plastic tubs.

*Secondary Question*
I plan on getting a few babies, would it be better to put them in a 20Qt tub instead of using the 40Qt I already have? I know it's more convenient for spacing issues, however that's currently not an issue for me.

Thanks for the help guys/gals, excited to be back!

Just some information but in winter months it is possible the rack temperature from top to bottom can vary a bit. This is due to the simplified saying that hot air rises. Just so you know if in the winter your racks have variable temps.

My question still stands, is 3in of heat tape enough for a big tub? I know the heat will radiate out, and assuming I have the temp set correctly should heat up the back section nicely.
I'm used to the ZooMed pads which cover a significant portion of my glass tanks. Moving to a tub/rack system, tape just seems so small.

welcome back!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaust

​I have 40Qt tubs with 3in heat tape installed in the back of the rack (short side). Is that enough for fully grown BPs or should I add another 3in section in front of the one already in there? This might sound like a silly question, but I'm going from glass tanks to plastic tubs.

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they can live off 3in heat tape, but would live more comfortably off a wider band like 6inch heat tape. they would scrunch up closer and shift their coils/body more often over the 3inch.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jaust

*Secondary Question*
I plan on getting a few babies, would it be better to put them in a 20Qt tub instead of using the 40Qt I already have? I know it's more convenient for spacing issues, however that's currently not an issue for me.

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i'm a subscriber to the growing out the enclosure size as your snake grows philospophy, so i would start with a smaller tub. i personally start out babies in a 6quart tub, but i guess u can use a 20quart if that's all u have. just add clutter. also be prepared to move down in tub size (meaning u have to buy something else smaller than 20quarts) if u start having feeding and stress issues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

welcome back!

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Thank you! It's good to be back.

I appreciate the advice, I'll set them up in something small and work up from there.

Thank you for getting back to me on the heat tape! I cant find opinions on this anywhere, just "this is what I do" sort of posts. I'll probably end up gutting the tape and reinstalling new/fresh tape to cover more of the enclosure, however it's nice to know that it's not a super pressing issue.

Thanks again!