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Proper heating of Animal Plastics rack, heat cable

bonzai272

bonzai272

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Ive got the Sterilite #1960 4-tub rack from Animal Plastics with the heat cable option as opposed to the heat tape. It doesnt seem to get hot enough thru the tub and the aspen substrate to where the ball python would lay. I could hardly even feel a warm spot with my hand above the substrate. I was thinking that my only other options are to use newspaper instead of aspen, or just put less aspen in there. This would let the snake sit closer to the heat. You guys have any thoughts or recommendations on this? Thanks!
 
How are you controlling the temp?
How long has it been in use, and has this been a constant problem?
I've got a few 10 high 1960 racks, with the heat cable, and my temps are satisfactory...and I have used paper, aspen, and mulch at various times
 
Ive got a Helix proportional thermostat. Trying to get the basking spot temp to low 90s. Ive got about 1 inch of aspen substrate in there but heat doesnt seem to be getting hot enough on top of substrate.
 
I was having the same type of problem with mine but it's the economy type 1754 I thought it was the open sides but now I'm convinced it was that cable. I just installed heat tape and it works great my basking area is about 88 on the floor and 80 in the front. You might try aluminum sided tape over the heat cable it will conduct the heat to a wider area and allow the tubs to rest right on something very warm it helped in mine just not quite enough but again they are different racks it could work great for you. Best of luck hope this helps! Did you try contacting Ali as well I have found they are very helpful over there and usually quick to respond but I know they have been busy!
 
I did end up speaking to Ali and AP was very helpful via email. I ended up just using newspaper over the hot end of the tub with a small amount of aspen on that half. The other end of the tub is just aspen. temps seem to be ideal now and snakes should be happy!
 
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