Heating a rack

[spots]

I'm getting ready to build a rack for BP's. I have been doing lots of reading about how to build them but I still need to figure out how I'm going to heat it.
I know I have two options if I use Flex watt. Belly heat, and back heat.
Also if Using Flex Watt where should I position the temperature probe for the thermostat? Also what size tubs should I use for adult BP's?

Thanks looking forward to all the info I will gather here.

[Norm66]

I've been researching the same thing spots. I'm going to start with one to hold 32 qt tubs and later one for 41 qt tubs as I've read those two sizes are good for males and females respectively. Since we're getting babies the smaller ones will work fine for now.

My plan for heat is two rows of flexwatt similar to Boaphile racks are built. I don't have a dedicated reptile room and I keep the house around 68 in the winter. I'll have them wired so I can only run on row in the summer. If you'll have a warm reptile room I Imagine one will be fine.

I'm open to suggestions about probe placement.

I'm going to try and get the right sized pieces of melamine but otherwise I'm going to use plywood. What are you planning to build yours ou of?

[spots]

I'm going to be building it out of 2 good side plywood. Then clear coating it with water based lacquer. So humidity will not be a problem for the wood.

So Norm is your flexwatt belly heat or back heat? And also the 32 qt tubs are a ok size for a adult bp?

Heat wise my wife keeps our house at 78f. Too hot for me, but good for animals and her.

Look forward to seeing pics of your creation

[snake man12]

32 Qt sounds all right for bp's

[Norm66]

I'm going with belly heat. I've read some things that suggest it's more efficient than back heat. With the house at 78 I'm sure on row will be sufficient.

Yes I've read that 32 qt is good for adult males. IIRC several people mentioned 2000 grams as their cutoff to switch them to 41 qt but don't quote me on that.

And likewise on the pics. Cheers!

[spots]

I read no more then 1/3 of the floor space should be heated.

[snake man12]

I would only use 1/4 of the floor space

[KORBIN5895]

Originally Posted by spots

Heat wise my wife keeps our house at 78f. Too hot for me, but good for animals and her.

Yep that's good for most colder blooded beings.

[spots]

Anyone Know where in canada i can find 32 qt tubs? I've looked at walmart zellars home depot lowes, no one carries this size

[Norm66]

You know, I think they may have done away with them. I'm finding 28 quart and 41 quart here. I'm hitting a different Wal Mart tonight and maybe K-mart too.

[spots]

Originally Posted by Norm66

You know, I think they may have done away with them. I'm finding 28 quart and 41 quart here. I'm hitting a different Wal Mart tonight and maybe K-mart too.

let me know what you find please.

[Norm66]

Will do. When are you building yours?

[spots]

some time in January, HOPEFULLY
you?

[jarich]

32 qt? As in 8 gallon? Thats roughly an enclosure about 24" long. That seems like a very small enclosure for a 4 foot long snake. I know Ill probably catch some grief here, but once you put in the large water bowl and hides, how much floor space does that give your adult BP?

[Norm66]

Saturday hopefully. Assuming I can find tubs.

Tubs...I found two Rubbermaid 41 quart tubs. And nothing else. There were plenty of lids but only two 41 qt. Lids for other sizes too but no tubs. Wal Mart and K Mart. Dimensions ar 29 x 18 x6.

The 41 qt seemed plenty large for a BP. Jarich, I got those sizes from some BP breeders on another board. I haven't done a lot of research honestly on the size thing.

Since our BPs are pretty small now my plan was to build a Rick that would hold 12 qt and 20-ish qt tubs they could grow up some in then later build a larger one. Now I honestly don't know wat I'm going to do since tubs sem tough to come by. I never thought finding plastic tubs woul be an issue. Geez.