Tub / Rack heat options

[Sammy J.]

We now have three BP's and are considering a rack system from animal plastics.

They seem to like the side radiant heat for the Iris racks, my questions is which work best or poor and why.

Also wanted to see numbers of users, thus the poll.

[Hock3ymonk3y]

Belly heat is the best option IMO because it aids in digestion.

[mooingtricycle]

Back heat all the way. I use it in every single one of my racks. ( 5 At the moment)

[Kaorte]

Go with belly heat. Ball pythons are ground dwelling snakes and bell heat works the best for them. Radiant heat works better for arboreal snakes.

[PghBall]

I have two Animal Plastics racks and both have the side radiant heat. I have not had any issues at all. Temps are good, no problems with keeping humidity and have not had any issues with digestion.

[nixer]

it would all depend on your room temps and also which rack you are talking about

[Simpson Balls]

Belly heat is the best choice for a Ball,

Daniel

[Mettle]

I've been thinking about designing a rack myself. I feel heat method really depends on how the rack is designed. If it has open sides/back then you have to go with belly heat. I intend on designing an enclosed rack system and am opting for back heat for a couple of reasons.

First, every time I've heard of snakes dying because of malfunctioning equipment and heat spikes they have always had belly heat in place. I'm not saying that back heat has never killed snakes. But all the issues I've heard have been with belly heat.

Second, the wiring is simpler, easier and imo safer as less soddering and connecting is needed in setting up the heat tape.

Like I said, back heat will work for me because of my design. Should you opt for an open concept rack then it will be a different call.

Good luck with your decision.

[omnibus2]

I say belly heat.

And sorry to derail for a bit, but what do you guys use for the tubs? uth?

[MarkS]

I've got several animal plastics racks with the radient side heat. It works better then the back heat however I think I still like the belly heat better. The radient side heat does a good job of raising the ambient temperature in the bin, but belly heat puts the heat where it's needed for digestion. And don't go with heat cable for belly heat, go with the widest heat tape you can get.