Tim is right on with his suggestions.


You may want to set up a small "test" to expirement. Our cages and new melamine rack are in our basement, and the ambient temps are between 70 and 75. When I set up our larger vision cages I had to use an 11" strip in the back and a 3" strip in the front. For the 28qt tubs in a melamine rack, I used 2 3"strips, one close to the back of where the tub sits and the other between 1/3 ant 1/2 way back. I also put a strip of reflectix on the back wall. I get 92 - 94 under the warm hide, and 80 - 84 under the cool side.

Hope this helps.

Neil