Rack temps

[Jdrum6]

Okay, so I have a 7 level AP rack that I finished setting up about 2 weeks ago. I use cocohusk substrate, space heater for ambient, and heat tape for belly heat with a herpstat 2 hooked up. I have the prob on the middle level. So, I’m having trouble with certain levels getting to the right temp(trying to hit 90-91*). The level the probe is on is getting to the right temps, as well as a few levels below and 2 levels above. The top level is only getting to 85-86*. If I raise the Tstat, then the tubs getting to the correct temp get too hot. Idk how everyone gets each tub to the correct temp on heat tape that’s snakes through the rack and not hooked up by each individual level. Thanks!

[KMG]

That is common.

If you are getting between 85-90 I would be happy with that as a hotspot. Most all my hotspots are 85 and I don't like them to get any warmer than 88.

[Jdrum6]

Oh okay! I thought 85* wasn’t hot enough for a ball python to digest properly?

[KMG]

Oh okay! I thought 85* wasn’t hot enough for a ball python to digest properly?

If the ambient temps are good they actually don't have to have a hotspot. My Ball hardly ever uses her hotspot and digests just fine and my snake room is usually 74-78 degrees. Many large breeders do not offer belly heat.

In my opinion 85 is perfect. It gives heat when needed but it gives a safe buffer from numbers that could harm your snake.

[nikkubus]

85 is enough to digest. I run mine slightly lower than that in the winter to stimulate breeding, and that is when they are eating the heaviest.

[Ascended]

What is the difference from the top to bottom of the racks?
I usually use at least 3 thermostats, bottom, middle and top.

[KMG]

What is the difference from the top to bottom of the racks?
I usually use at least 3 thermostats, bottom, middle and top.

My guess is their heat tape is one continuous piece so it is on one tstat. That is how I mine is.

[Ascended]

My guess is their heat tape is one continuous piece so it is on one tstat. That is how I mine is.

Ahh, I see. Heat tape is hard to come by in the UK. I use individual heat mats. (mini heat tape I guess)
But what about the problem of heat rising?
The top will be always hotter than the bottom in a 7 high rack as stated here. Its just how heat works (shoot your gun at the floor then ceiling, there is a few degrees difference) . Unless you have incredible air circulation with serious fans and brilliant insulation in the racks.
That's why I use 3 thermostats minimum. The various levels are not the same otherwise.
In addition to heat rising - the bottom one has no bottom heat from the tub below, so even more cooler than just the heat rising alone.
Maybe I am being too precise. I guess a few degrees difference may not make that much difference.

[KMG]

Ahh, I see. Heat tape is hard to come by in the UK. I use individual heat mats. (mini heat tape I guess)
But what about the problem of heat rising?
The top will be always hotter than the bottom in a 7 high rack as stated here. Its just how heat works (shoot your gun at the floor then ceiling, there is a few degrees difference) . Unless you have incredible air circulation with serious fans and brilliant insulation in the racks.
That's why I use 3 thermostats minimum. The various levels are not the same otherwise.
In addition to heat rising - the bottom one has no bottom heat from the tub below, so even more cooler than just the heat rising alone.
Maybe I am being too precise. I guess a few degrees difference may not make that much difference.

With a single strip of heat tape in a rack this will always be a variable.

[Ascended]

With a single strip of heat tape in a rack this will always be a variable.

Yes, but is it ok for just one heat strip on one thermostat? or am I being to controlling and over the top spiting them of into 3 ? are a few degrees difference ok? Genuine question. I don't know
Also I believe heat strips can be cut to size, so one at the bottom, one at the top and the rest in the middle, is that possible, or unnecessary?