My rack idea, comments?

[f22raptor95]

I'll put a dimmer on then, I figured if used as back heat though I wouldn't need to regulate since it wouldn't be directly on them?

[chrisv]

a major consideration should be ambient temp room. you will benefit from more direct (read belly) heat if your rack is in a cooler room.

[Eric Alan]

a major consideration should be ambient temp room. you will benefit from more direct (read belly) heat if your rack is in a cooler room.

How so?

[Eric Alan]

I'll put a dimmer on then, I figured if used as back heat though I wouldn't need to regulate since it wouldn't be directly on them?

Snake safety isn't the only reason you regulate heat tape. Human safety is just as important.

[ENA Reptiles]

[QUOTE=OhhWatALoser;2315063]may I ask why they need belly heat? I have found that not to be true at all.

I understand everyone has their preferences but mine is to do belly heat. And with my bps after a meal alot were getting bloated after meals like really big. I took one to Prehistoric and they told me that he needed belly heat. So I switched from back heat to belly heat. Again not all the snakes were getting big just some. And they told me all it really was, was gas build up. Also it is alot more accurate in my opinion to regulate belly heat than back heat. But again both ways can work.

[Viol8r]

your snakes are definitely going to need belly heat.

Need? I'm curious as to where they find belly heat in the wild? Mine are in a heated room. I have heat tape, but it is not in use.

[aLittleLessButter]

Is back heat that inferior to belly heat when it comes to racks? every breeder I know uses at least a couple back heated racks. When I built mine, I set it up for belly heat but I just recently bought a rack that is equipped with back heat so Im curious to see what more experience folks have to say

[f22raptor95]

I understand the need for belly heat for feeding purposes, but as I said earlier I have rocks in my tubs that act as natural heating pads (mimic a hot rock in the wild) wouldn't this be enough belly heat for them if I used the tape as back heat?

[C2tcardin]

Belly heat, RHP's, or just keeping your snake room in the 80's it's all the same in the end. As for your humidity issues take a tub and use a soldering pen to melt some holes in the tub to get some ventilation going. I would do just a few to start and see if that does the trick, if you still have visible condensation on the inside of the tub try adding a few more holes till you get it where you want it. Can't say I've ever seen anyone use rocks in a tub set up before, I would think it will make spot cleaning a pain and I wouldn't be surprised if the snake just pushed them all aside anyway to lay on the floor of the tub. I have two racks that I run and heat tape is so easy and virtually worry free, just don't skimp on a thermostat to regulate it and check your temps occasionally with an IR temp gun.
Just my $.02 (or 2 shillings if you prefer)

[f22raptor95]

Okay I'll do that then... guess I gotta lotta resoldering to do