heat rising

[marisa]

No matter what type of heat element I use, or what I do, the top shelf on my rack is always WAY hotter, while the bottom is much cooler.

What can I do to help this? Anything? Its just your average shelf/enlosed except the front rack with rubbermaids.

Marisa

[Cruciform]

You might want to break it down into multiple circuits, and step the amount of heat output down as you go up the rack.
Then monitor it to see how the heat-creep from the lower racks affects it then.

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Heat naturally rises(as you probably know). Put more of whatever elements you have lower and less at the top of you rach(assuming its 1.5' + high). It should balance out better that way.

[Derrick]

You could try a fan in the room to cirulate the air better

[marisa]

Well I already have no heating element running to the top shelf. It gets hot enough up there for any colubrid hot spot all on its own.

I was thinking a couple simple computer fans inside at the top pointing down to move the heat down? What would be the best position to circulate some air?

Marisa

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

You dont have hot ends or cool ends for the snakes to thermoregulate?

[marisa]

Yes of course I do.

The tubs are the size of the rack. They fit in. Heat source at the back running up and down. Front cool side, back warm side.

Marisa

[Stockwell]

This is common problem. Post a pic of this rack.
If your back is completely enclosed, opening it up will help. You might want to open the back up by removing it or replacing it with pegboard only at the top to provide more of an escape for the hot air at the top
Another question.. Is the difference from top to bottom, different in the rack then it is elsewhere in the room??
Natural thermal gradients are present in any room, and its not that uncommon to see up to 30 degrees difference from the floor to the ceiling.
You need to find out whether your heat tape in the rack is really the sole contributer to the difference in temperature.
If you have a lot of cold air coming under a door, or falling from a window sill, that cold air will sit on the floor and force the heated room air up. Temporarily unplug your heat tape and see if the huge difference in temperature still exists.
Putting a good door sweep on will help prevent cold air coming in from the hall and help snake proof the room too.
As Derrick stated, having a room fan will help stir the air mix if this is the case. This could be either a ceiling fan or a small fan at floor level.
Putting a fan in the rack is probably not the way to go. Fans produce heat themselves, and creating a constant draft in close proximity to the animals can be detrimental to their health, plus it tends to dry out water bowls faster than natural convection.

[marisa]

Yes outside sources can most definitly be the problem as my house is HORRIBLY insulated and its common to feel cold air coming through in tiny amounts from closed windows, doors etc. Its terrible! lol.

So it sounds like a room fan will be the way to go. I will also probably replace the back with peg board instead. Will try to get pic soon. :)

Marisa

[Jeff_Favelle]

Putting a fan in the rack is probably not the way to go. Fans produce heat themselves, and creating a constant draft in close proximity to the animals can be detrimental to their health, plus it tends to dry out water bowls faster than natural convection.

I agree with Roy. Not to mention, if you're using heat tape down the back, you are heating your cages CONDUCTIVELY. How exactly is moving the air around going to solve any differential heating issues? I could see if it was radient heat you were using, but not conductive. No way.

[marisa]

O.k. so its the outside room thats the problem for sure. I'll post after I put the fan in there.

Marisa

[Jeff_Favelle]

Best of luck girl! Post the results so we can all learn as well! :)