tubs vs racks

[equis8]

So I noticed in another thread (newcomer looking...)that there was a description on how to set up a tub for your bp

Starmom said:
quote:If you just have a tub (not in a rack)........

and she proceeded to explain what you need for a tub....

...So, my question is...whats the difference between a rack set-up and a tub setup???? How do you know heat and humidity is correct, that there is a temp gradient, etc. I noticed when I bought my BP he was in a large set of shoeboxes in a rack...but there was obviously no heating elements. It was warm in the room, but not 80 degree warm. Just curious about the differences. Thanks....

[starmom]

Hey there! <I love Maine...>
Oh yeah, a rack.... The biggest difference is that most racks are heated by using flexwatt and not UTH's; probably why you didn't see an obvious source of heat! I would also never put a rack on a rheostat but always use a thermostat. I would also buy a temp gun to monitor the temps in each tub. Does this help?

[equis8]

Thanks, I love it here too ...well...I'll love it a whole bunch more once i've finished moving!!! ha

So a flexwatt, I looked it up, is like electric tape...and the thermostat...is that an average for the whole thing? or just one for each box??? So how do you manage humidty??

The rack I saw definately didn't have any flexwatt. The rack was like one you would see at lowes or home depot (i have a similar one in my kitchen pantry for cans and such). And the shoe boxes had lids that snapped shut. and they were just plastic *tubs* sitting on the racks.

I am wanting to get into breeding in a year or two (depending on when I feel ready, and have a good amount of moms and dads) so I want to learn as much as I can about these things. I'm just confused between what I saw and how I know they should be.

Thanks for elaborating.

[starmom]

So, there are many rack systems but these are the ones that I use: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Reptile...p-1-c-251.html
I use these because they are already built (I am not a carpenter) and they are enclosed. Some rack systems are open on the sides, but I don't have a temp controlled snake room, and so I appreciate the top and sides helping to hold in the heat!
The heat in the racks is provided by flexwatt and is run at the very back of each tub and zig zagged up the side and into the level. The tubs sit over the flex watt.
I use 2 brands of thermostats and both are very good: Helix and Herpstat. I just hook a Helix up to the flex watt at the back of one of my racks (one Helix or Herpstat controls up to 6 of the racks that I have [the 4-drawer sweater box]). I set the thermostat to 93F and the thermostat then keeps each tub at 93F +/- 3 degrees, depending on the location of the tub (the bottom tub is about 90, the top tub is 93).
I have an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in each tub to measure humidity for me and give me an overall ambient temp inside each tub. I use an infrared temp gun to spot measure gradient temps within each tub.
Does this help you, or have I done such an abysmal job of explaining that I have accomplished nothing more than to further confuse you??? Let me know! Take care.

[Gloryhound]

When they/you build a rack Flex Watt is one of the most popular methods of heating it. The theory of why you can use one T-stat is that each section of flex Watt used for each shelf is identical in Resistance to all the rest in a particular shelf. (When I build them I actually measure the resistance with an Ohm meter and allow only 2% varience from the average of all used Flex Watt pieces.) Since each level is also built identically and insulated the same you can use one level as your reference level and all the rest should be very close to it. Just have to remember this system is based on the fact that all levels are pretty much the same. With that said I put the same kind of water dish, hides, and substrate in each to keep each tub as close to the same as possible.

[equis8]

Thanks!! That reallly helps. I did find a site that showed in detail how to hook up the flex watt stuff and making your own bins and racks....I think that I may just as well just try and make them myself. That way they can be custom built into the *snake* room...once I get a snake room set up of course .

I did have a question about the flexwatt stuff.. I found a site that sells it, and it says its like two dollars or something like that, but it didnt say how big of a peice other than how wide it was. How do you all buy it?? By the roll or by the precut peice? I notice in some pictures of building racks that the peices can be pretty long. How much do you spend on it?? Do you order it online or can you get it elsewhere? Sorry for all the questions I just want to learn MORE hehehe!

[Gloryhound]

The price is listed per linear foot generally speaking. If you need 10 feet you order 10 feet and you get a little roll that is 10 feet long that you cut to the size you need. That way if you need 28 inches lengths you just cut it to 28 inches.

[rabernet]

The price is listed per linear foot generally speaking. If you need 10 feet you order 10 feet and you get a little roll that is 10 feet long that you cut to the size you need. That way if you need 28 inches lengths you just cut it to 28 inches.

And to add to that - if you don't wish to wire the flexwatt yourself (I personally don't) - you can specify that you want, for example, Qty 5 - 1 foot sections of 11" flexwatt wired. Or Qty 5 - 2 foot sections of flexwatt wired. (I order from Rich at Reptile Basics as well).

So you'd order the total number of feet you need, then add in your comments to your order - be sure to buy the clamps needed to wire as well and then he'll wire it for you for free.

[Gloryhound]

And to add to that - if you don't wish to wire the flexwatt yourself (I personally don't) - you can specify that you want, for example, Qty 5 - 1 foot sections of 11" flexwatt wired. Or Qty 5 - 2 foot sections of flexwatt wired. (I order from Rich at Reptile Basics as well).

So you'd order the total number of feet you need, then add in your comments to your order - be sure to buy the clamps needed to wire as well and then he'll wire it for you for free.

I have wired all my own and have had good success. It really isn't hard and I enjoy the flexability of trial fitting. I have been using a pair of welding vise grips that have large flat ends, but I decided to get the crimping tool with my order of flex watt for my latest rack. While the welding vise grips worked it was a little time consuming and I am hoping by using the proper tool it will be a crimp and forget type deal. I will see when it finally comes in!