Another Snake Rack Question

[digizure]

I've noticed that some racks are fully enclosed, except for the front, while some racks are open (no sides). Does this make any difference as far as heating goes? I would assume that a fully enclosed rack would keep heat better? If so, why do they make open rack systems?

What are the pros and cons?

[BHReptiles]

I have an open rack. I think it works just the same. A closed rack may offer a little bit of insulation, but it's nothing drastic. The only thing that an enclosed rack truly offers is a sense of security. If you don't want to bother with hides, then an enclosed rack is best. Since mine is open, I offer all my snakes hides in both the back and front. They seem to do well. My temps and humidity stay pretty constant.

[digizure]

I have an enclosed rack system and I do provide hides in each tub. I'm not sure if that's necessary but my neighbor says it is.

[I-KandyReptiles]

I have an enclosed rack system and I do provide hides in each tub. I'm not sure if that's necessary but my neighbor says it is.

IMO it depends on the snake. One of my girls eats better with a hide so I offer her one. All the rest are fine without one though.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Fully encloused racks hold heat in better.

The only reason why they make open sided racks is to reduce costs.

[kitedemon]

Typically racks are kept in warmer than normal rooms often 80º or close to it. This provides correct ambient air temps and cool side temps and just a touch more heat to maintain a hot spot. It makes little to no difference under these conditions. this is the way most racks are set up. If you are attempting to run a rack in normal or below room temps most find that a secondary heat source to hold cool end temps. These conditions the closed body rack make a monster difference they hold much more heat I find my racks will hold a max of 6 degrees over room with out modifications as my room is below normal temps (66º and lower) I need all the help I can get.

[digizure]

I see. The room I keep my snake rack in can get pretty cold in the winter so I better stick with enclosed rack system. I feed my snakes in another bin.