Heat tape in rack

[REH]

I am building a rack for Ball pythons. Each hole is 16.5 wide and 6.5 tall with 30 inches deep.

Can I put 11 inch heat tape up the back or do I need to heat each shelf with its own one foot strip. The back is made of particle board.

REH

[Cham911]

Hey REH,

I built exactly the same size (Except shelves 34" deep).

I put heat tape up the back. I get a max rear temp of 90 degrees, when they are on FULL. This however is variable based on my room temp. It fluctuates 3-4 degrees, and so then does the rack. The room temp hovers around 78-81.

[REH]

Thanks I intend on puting it on in 2 sections so I can control the electrical use while I get enough snakes to fill it. I will have it built by an electrician.

REH