I don't feel to good about 11 inch flexwatt backheat..

[californiakingsnake]

I have it set up with the original Herpstat tstat, and I dont know I have to set the thermstat about 10 degrees hotter to get the desired temp (ex. I have to set it at 100 degrees to get 90 degrees in hot area of the tub.). Any idea why?

[Chicagoherps]

Yesterday I picked up my first rack with back heat, it was basically free. I was planning on converting it to belly heat because for the last 15 years I have been a die hard belly heat kind of guy. But I said what the hell let me try out this back heat and when it doesn't work to my satisfaction I will log into RBI's website and order me some of my beloved 3inch flexwatt so I could covert it over to belly heat. But to my surprise it work really well and I like it better than belly heat only because I have homemade melamine racks and the tubs tend to snag on the tape that's holding down the flexwatt over time. The temperature gradient in my tubs are a lot better than my racks wired for belly heat. If you are using an enclosed rack system I say try out the back heat and see how it works for you.

My reptile room is in my basement and it doubles as my rec room. My house stays 72 to 75 year around. I do live in Chicago so only on snow blizzard days( really haven't had one in about 10 yrs) i might run my electric heater.

[Skiploder]

They both work fine. Back, belly it really makes no difference. Back usually runs a bit more power for the same heat however that also means that if a t-stat fails the max temp is lower. Belly heat is more efficient using less power. The reverse is true less power more heat if the T-stat fails. The placement of the heat does not effect digestion in any way.

(note•• just because a back heat may not get as hot as belly heat in the tub does not mean it is 'safe' in the event of a failure. Unless you are using a T-stat with over and under temp shut off points I would strongly suggest a failsafe with any and all set ups.)

You mean you haven't got the latest scoop?

9 out of 10 forum members claim that in the wild, ball pythons prefer termite mounds that have belly heat in them. If they don't have belly heat, they can't digest their food and they die. No kidding, I read it somewhere on another forum so it has to be true.

Jeez, Alex................

[californiakingsnake]

You mean you haven't got the latest scoop?

9 out of 10 forum members claim that in the wild, ball pythons prefer termite mounds that have belly heat in them. If they don't have belly heat, they can't digest their food and they die. No kidding, I read it somewhere on another forum so it has to be true.

Jeez, Alex................

Dont think im an idiot or anything but... Are you being serious or sarcastic?

[Skiploder]

Dont think im an idiot or anything but... Are you being serious or sarcastic?

I am being seriously sarcastic.

Or maybe sarcastically serious.

Tell you what - start a thread asking people if ball pythons need belly or back heat and strap yourself in for a fun time.

[kitedemon]

oh how could I forget the magic underground sun... my mistake... lol