Rack Systems: Belly Heat vs Back heat?

[el8ch]

Morning All!

I was wondering what everyones opionions are of Belly-Heat vs Back-Heat in rack systems specifically for Hatchlings/Jeveniles and Adults/Breeders?

Is one or the other better for any specific size BP?

** Currently I have everyone on Belly-Heat, but I found some nice looking rack systems (locally) that offer Back-Heat for a 6qt Hatchling rack, 15qt Juvi rack and CB70 Adult/Breeder - looking for advice.

Cheers - Thanks in advance! =)

[Evenstar]

I would like to know what folks think about this too. I am looking for an economical rack system and one place I'm looking at purchasing from offers the choice and I don't know which would be best to choose.

Also, el8ch, the place you are looking at purchasing from, do they happen to have a website where I can check them out too?

Thanks!

[el8ch]

Also, el8ch, the place you are looking at purchasing from, do they happen to have a website where I can check them out too?

I would stay away from cross border shipping. You have a lot more options when it comes to pre-made rack systems in the states. There are tons of campanies you can choose from depending on price point. Here are a few:

Vision Products
Reptile basics
Boaphile Plastics
Animal Plastics

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It really comes down to the ambient room of your room.

If your room stays below 75 I would recommend belly heat it will be more efficient with less heat loss.

[Evenstar]

Thanks el8ch!! I've checked out several of those places, but hadn't thought of Vision...

And thanks Deborah! My snakes are in our rec room which is our finished basement so it is a bit cooler down there. I was thinking of doing the back heat but hadn't considered that - thanks for the input!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Thanks el8ch!! I've checked out several of those places, but hadn't thought of Vision...

And thanks Deborah! My snakes are in our rec room which is our finished basement so it is a bit cooler down there. I was thinking of doing the back heat but hadn't considered that - thanks for the input!

In this case you definitely want belying heat and you want an enclosed rack nothing open like Vision racks

[snake lab]

Belly or back heat, flexwatt or cables, it will all do the same thing. Difference is ambient room temps will affect how often the heat in your racks cycle. My snake building keeps an ambient temp of 82 degrees. This ensures the heat in my racks dont have to cycle as often as it does in lower ambient temps. I can bring it higher but i dont like working in a sweat box. My freedom breeder and vision racks have belly heat and my melamine racks have back heat. All the tubs stay 90 hot side and about 85 cool side depending on tubs. Hope this helps

[el8ch]

It really comes down to the ambient room of your room.

If your room stays below 75 I would recommend belly heat it will be more efficient with less heat loss.

Thanks Deborah - I have a secondary heat source that keeps my snake room between 78 and 80 so my ambient air temp is pretty good. I have since found out that these racks are offered in both belly heat or back heat so I will probably just stick to what I am used to.

Belly or back heat, flexwatt or cables, it will all do the same thing. Difference is ambient room temps will affect how often the heat in your racks cycle. My snake building keeps an ambient temp of 82 degrees. This ensures the heat in my racks dont have to cycle as often as it does in lower ambient temps. I can bring it higher but i dont like working in a sweat box. My freedom breeder and vision racks have belly heat and my melamine racks have back heat. All the tubs stay 90 hot side and about 85 cool side depending on tubs. Hope this helps

Thanks - I would love to have a freedom breeder rack, those things are ridiculous! =) Maybe when my collection multiples a few more times I will make the investment.

[Evenstar]

In this case you definitely want belying heat and you want an enclosed rack nothing open like Vision racks

Deborah (and anyone else!), what do you think of this one from RBI with the belly heat option??
RBI Iris Rack wide version

It appears to have an open back, but the sides are enclosed and I'd have it against an interior wall. Our basement is insulated and its a walk-out so there's lots of natural light and while it is cooler than the rest of the house, the room temp is usually around 75 (I do use a space heater in winter). My current BP is housed here in a tank and her temps are 92 on the hotspot and about 78 ambient. She seems to be a very happy snake - almost always hiding except at night, eats pretty well (for a BP, lol), and has perfect sheds.

**el8ch, I hope I'm not hijacking your thread - I felt that this info would helpful to us both.

[L.West]

I have two racks with belly heat and two racks with backheat - I have had no issues with any of them. Although, I have a designated snakeroom that I always keep the ambient temps no lower than 75/77 in the winter. Rack temps stay steady with 89 hot side and 80 cool side.

My racks are from Reptile Basics and Jason's Jungle Racks.