Quote:
Originally Posted by Zimmer
Thanks for the info guys, really appreciate it! So in this rack situation back heat is ok? Everywhere you read it's all about belly heat..... back heat would be great so I could do a combo hatchling/adult setup all on one rack......
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I have been building back heated combo racks for decades. I have a rack right now that started with 24 6qt and 6 12qt tubs. Now it has 4 28qt, 4 8qt, 6 12qt and 9 6qt tubs.
Every time someone posts that corn snakes "require belly heat" I cringe !!
It's frustrating to see that "requirement" perpetuated on this and other sites.
Belly heat IS the most efficient way to provide the heat needed for digestion in most vivarium's. It works the best for snake keepers that use aquariums.
So what is "required" is to provide the proper ambient heat for digestion and a heat gradient for thermal regulation. How you provide it is unique to each situation. In very large facilities they wouldn't use belly or back heat. They provide ambient heat through a central heating system which I also have done in the past.
In racks it is easier to install back heat and you are using half the wattage. You never have to worry about belly burns with snakes like Ball Pythons that are prone to it. For me the biggest advantage is versatility......