Rack Heating Opinions?

[LindsayMarie]

I am diving into the rack world, have yet to decide on whom to purchase from (thats in its own thread somewhere). Anyways, I was wondering what is the best heating option in your opinion for corns? I want a versatile rack that can be moved from a room with an ambient temp of high 70's low 80's, to the living room or any other room in the house where the temps are quite a bit lower.

So out of the options which type of heat would you choose using your experience Thanks, Lindsay

ps. I did this as a poll to see the results quicker but PLEASE feel free to comment, explain your decision etc.

 

[Jay@PJCReptiles]

When it comes to a rack we prefer belly heat. Some people use back heat and like it very much. We think belly heat is more efficient and easier to regulate. Belly heat seems to keep a better ambient heat from shelf to shelf then back heat does. It seems to maintain the heat a little better and the rheostat doesn't turn on as often. Just our opinion.
Jay & PJ

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

I voted other...

6-15qt tubs work great with back heat...Belly heat is overkill for such small tubs. 28+ qt tubs I use belly heat.

 

[MichellesCreatures]

I agree with Stephanie and do the same with mine.....for some reason I trust Flexwatt more than heat rope for the belly heat...but thats totally a personal opinion

 

[Jay@PJCReptiles]

FlexWatt :cheers:
Jay

 

[Tom Tuttle]

I use 11" Flexwatt with back heat. ambient room temps are 70* +- 2*. :cheers:

 

[Shogun]

I use flexwatt for my tubs.

 

[tbtusk]

I need to figure out how to set up my small group of corns, so where do you get the flexwatt? a google search gave me: www.boaphileplastics.com/heating.html

 

[zwyatt]

I didn't vote, because I've only ever had one rack. However, fwiw, I used back heat (4" flexwatt) with large and small tubs and never had any troubles or complaints. As with most things in this hobby, I think everyone has their personal preference. I don't think there is truly a perfect way to do it. Obviously, there are many people on this forum who have success with belly heat and those that have success with back heat.

My only thing with belly heat is that, if something should happen (overheating), then every tub in the rack is in very close proximity with the heat tape/rope that is right underneath it. I don't know if melting would ever be a possibility with overheating, but if it were, then every tub in the rack would be at risk. That's just a little pet thought of mine about belly heat in racks. That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to ever using belly heat on one of my own risks in the future. :grin01: ...sorry for the flip-flopping.