Heating 41qt with a undertank heater?

Originally Posted by P&A Pythons

Don't skimp on important piece of equipment. Ya dimmer switch will work. Somebody bumps it cooks snakes or turns off then u have a problem. Get helix or herpstat. Well worth money and piece of mind

Totally agree with you! My boy friend was nice enough to buy the heating and environments so I'm trying to keep it cheap.

We will make this the most expensive part.

I would agree with getting some flexwatt for heating, and a good thermostat to control it. If you absolutely can't afford a herpstat or helix, I have known people who have had success with ranco's.

For the flexwatt, you could get a couple feet of 3 or 4", which will have to be wired. Flexwatt is like that heating pad, but comes in a roll and is cut to length. You'll need to order, or cut it, to size and then wire it. There's two ways to do that: you could either solder it, if you are comfortable with doing something like that...or use the clips they have available. I've noticed that the soldering is prefered by a good amount of people, and is the method I use. Whichever route, this will give you your capability for heat. Just make sure you control this with a good thermostat and not just plut it into the wall, or you are asking for bad things to happen.

I tried a light dimmer before, for individual enclosures...I had nothing but bad experiences. There would be cutouts in the power at random points on the adjustment slide, and the temps were really inconsistant. It doesnt account for any of the environmental temperature changes. If you have it set at 50%, and your house goes up 10 degrees, your enclosure is now 10 degrees too hot. Ball pythons don't enjoy fluctuation.

Anyway, hope that was a bit of help.

Originally Posted by Hypopita

I would agree with getting some flexwatt for heating, and a good thermostat to control it. If you absolutely can't afford a herpstat or helix, I have known people who have had success with ranco's.

For the flexwatt, you could get a couple feet of 3 or 4", which will have to be wired. Flexwatt is like that heating pad, but comes in a roll and is cut to length. You'll need to order, or cut it, to size and then wire it. There's two ways to do that: you could either solder it, if you are comfortable with doing something like that...or use the clips they have available. I've noticed that the soldering is prefered by a good amount of people, and is the method I use. Whichever route, this will give you your capability for heat. Just make sure you control this with a good thermostat and not just plut it into the wall, or you are asking for bad things to happen.

I tried a light dimmer before, for individual enclosures...I had nothing but bad experiences. There would be cutouts in the power at random points on the adjustment slide, and the temps were really inconsistent. It doesn't account for any of the environmental temperature changes. If you have it set at 50%, and your house goes up 10 degrees, your enclosure is now 10 degrees too hot. Ball pythons don't enjoy fluctuation.

Anyway, hope that was a bit of help.

Thanks! The flexwatt is not an issue, I've looked up how to wire it and such. I will NOT be going with the dimmer since I've heard so many doubtful things. I just want what's best for the snake. I will look into the ranco.

Thanks again for the feedback!

Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

probably going with this one, and plugging my flex watt into this.

I can set the flex watt on any wooden surface correct? table etc.

don't waste your time with 3 or 4 inch flexwatt, you want 11x12 inch flexwatt for a 41qt tub.

Thanks!! I am ordering in a few minute! I hope the people sell... if now I will just have to double up.

Where can I find somewhere with quick shipping.

Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

don't waste your time with 3 or 4 inch flexwatt, you want 11x12 inch flexwatt for a 41qt tub.

Would one of these for each tub be okay? http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultrath...ter-uth-11-x11

Originally Posted by blackandblue_lulu

Would one of these for each tub be okay? http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultrath...ter-uth-11-x11

Flexwatt is under 4 bucks a foot and does the same exact thing.
ultratherms are great for other species but imo does not create enough belly heat for a ball python and 1 pad cost as much as enough flexwatt for 6 tubs.

If you set up the shelving and measure from shelf to shelf and give reptile basics the lengths between shelves they will wire it up for you. You will also need to buy the clips, covers and wire sets though.
Not my preferred way, we solder all of our connections, but much better than what your dealing with now and by far less expensive than ultratherms.