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.
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