First rack project

[TheSnakeGuy]

I'm looking at building my first rack with tubs sized 22-1/2"L x 14-3/4"W x 5-3/8"H purchased from The Container Store. I'm going to house my budding collection of babies and yearling BPs. It will likely be 2 columns of 8 or 10 side by side. I can't decide what size flexwatt tape is needed. For my belly heat would I need 2 strips of 3" or 4" or 1 strip of 11"? Also is animalplastics the only place to get it? I know I'll get my hides from there. Help me out here rack owners.

[JustinAskin]

1/3 is a good rule of thumb. So if you go with 4" and 3" that will give you 7" which will be just below 1/3.

I would say that 11" would be to much and I may be hard for your BP to self regulate.

I am new to the hobby and that is my two bits. I hope that helped and I am sure that if I have lead you in the wrong direction one of the more experienced members will be able to correct me and teach us both something. LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!!


1.0 - Spider
1.0 - Pastel, Het Orange Ghost
0.1 - Pastel, Het Orange Ghost
0.1 - Mojave
0.1 - Pinstripe

0.1 - German Shepherd (Kahlua)

1.1.0 Dendrobates Tinctorius “Azureus”
1.1.0 Dendrobates Auratus "El Cope"

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Serpent Merchant]

AP's hides are huge, I wouldn't use them with BP's

Reptile Basics is the place to get hides and flexwatt.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

http://www.reptilebasics.com/flexwatt-heat-tape

I would use a single strip of 4 inch or 2 strips of 3 inch.

- - - Updated - - -

1/3 is a good rule of thumb. So if you go with 4" and 3" that will give you 7" which will be just below 1/3.

The only problem with mixing sizes is that it will require 2 thermostats to run. I would only use 1 size on a single enclosure/rack.

[kitedemon]

Remember that flexwatt has a max operational temp between 95-100ºF it should not be used beyond these temps.

[gsarchie]

Remember that flexwatt has a max operational temp between 95-100ºF it should not be used beyond these temps.

I wasn't aware of this. Is that as hot as it will get or will it get hotter but will melt/short/etc.?

[kitedemon]

No that is the max temp the manufacturer say it can be run. It is listed in a number of FAQs.

http://www.beanfarm.com/heating/flexwatt_userinfo.pdf

[gsarchie]

Right on, thank you!

[kevinb]

My recommendation is to run a single sheet to both sides, miter out a little groove in the center divider and run it under, so there is no need to cut or run 2 tstats.

[TheSnakeGuy]

My recommendation is to run a single sheet to both sides, miter out a little groove in the center divider and run it under, so there is no need to cut or run 2 tstats.

A single sheet to both sides of what?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I think he means flexwatt