Heating tape question!

[Jaust]

​***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!

[SDA]

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.

[Jaust]

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.

[Ax01]

welcome back!

​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.

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.

*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.

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.

[Jaust]

welcome back!

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!