heat tape on back of rack?

[kid]

Im building a rack right now and decided to use two 4 ft strips of heat tape going down the back. I want to put them on the outside of the rack on the pegboard not directly on the rubbermaids. Can i do this and still have an adequate amount of heat.. Its pegoard so i think heat can getin the lil holes easily. Well some feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[JasonBrennan]

Why are you wanting to put the heat tape outside the rack? Is it to avoid having to use a thermostat?

[jason h]

i put mine on the inside of the pegboard the rubber mades are tapered a bit so it shouldnt touch the rubbermade itself and i find this works very well.

[killer Cichlidz]

No, You will not have enough heat if it is outside of the rack. It is best used inside the pegboard and even better when it is used as belly heat. (this way you will get more out of it), and have less heat escape. The way you are wanting to do it will not help you at all because the heat will escpae into the air. When using heat tape, there is no option not to use a thermostat. Always use a good thermostat no matter what! It is needed unless you want your herps roasted or melted.


Pegboard is used and Plywood (without holes), holds more heat than the pegboard, but either way you whould use a thermostat.

[Lisa]

Put it inside, and what species were you planning on housing?

[kid]

Easy easy of course im gonna use a thermostat. I wanted to put it on the outside for easier access to it in case it brakes or something so i dont have to unscrew anything but i guess i wont.
Im planning on housing kings,milks,corns and maybe baby boas and pythons for short periods of time or feeding for yearlings.
Thanks for the help.

it need to be remembered that most snakes absorb heat on the ventral side. absorbing heat through skin, thin belly muscle, into internal organs and the body core is easier than through heavy back muscle, skin, and cartilage. In the wild heated earth, rocks, and rotting vegetation piles supply this under heat. there are several others that usually are aboreal that are better suited to other methods but you did not mention species.