Im going to attach a picture of an idea for a rack, but im not sure of the over/under heating ramifications of it.
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/dxkj21/possibleRack.jpg
I was thinking of using 3" flexwatt to go across the back underside of the tubs, and to use this rack for sterilite tubs:
1954 - 12 Quart Storage Box 16 3/8"L x 11 1/2"W x 5 7/8"H
1956 - 27 Quart Storage Box 23"L x 16 3/4"W x 5 7/8"H
both tubs are just under 17" deep, and i would be able to fit either 4 tubs across of the 1954 or 2 tubs across of the 1956.
One concern is that I would be heating the back of the short tubs, and the side of the longer tubs... but the tub is 2x the size, so 2x the heating area should be ok if the snake just moves to the other side..
The other concern is ventilation and heat building up. I was thinking of using melamine or some other type of solid material for the sides and shelving, and making the back either be solid, or have holes in it to allow heat to escape preventing a buildup. I would have small holes drilled in the tubs to allow ventilation but im not sure how well it would ventilate with all the tubs being packed into the same area. (I also plan to have some material halfway across each shelf with room for the flexwatt to pass through it, in order to keep the shelves from sagging and giving the snakes some escape room)
Any predictions on how well this setup would work, or how hot the room these are in would have to be to provide the proper temp distribution? I'm also trying to figure out how many watts 8 - 4' strips of 3" would use. I cant imagine anymore than 320 watts... but I never know..
Additionally if I used the thermostat probe to be on the hot side of the center middle tub, would that keep a somewhat consistant temp in all of the tubs? or would i have to use several t-stats and thermometers in several of the tubs to get it right?
Thanks again
PS Would back heat be better than belly heat in this situation?
PPS Im guessing the 1956 sized tub would top out at a 3' snake ?
Reply With Quote