Rack/Heat questions

[GeckoMandi]

My boyfriend just ordered me heat tape and thermostat for x-mas it should be here within a week, I got a Johnsons not exactly sure which one he got. I know from MGReptiles. He got 27 feet of 3 inch flexwatt.

After long talks I'm switching to a rack system with sterilite tubs, I've been to wal-mart and the only size I like is the 28qt sweater boxes, I feel bad because they are in nice tanks now so I wanted them to have alot of room to do whatever they please in their new tubs, also wanted some hatchling room. He's building my actual shelves this weekend out of melamine sp? It's going to hold 12 sweater box tubs, plus shoe boxes for boo boo's.

Anyways my questions are these

What is the best temp to get it at? between 90-92? I'm curious what other people keep their temps at.

How many layers of paper towels should I use so they don't get burned by the plastic? or does it even heat that much? I know how hot glass gets.

Do you think the 28qt is just to big??

 

[GeckoMandi]

Anyone? I really need the input!

 

[BalloonzForU]

28s are a little big for a single leo, I house 3-4 in 32qrts and singles in 15qrts.

90-92 is good for the hot side. If you are placing the probe on the flexwat setting the Johnson to 100 should get you 90-92, depending on the temps in the room.

 

[GeckoMandi]

I haven't seen 15qt's anywhere!! I tried both wal-marts here, target, big lots and k-mart!! ARGH!! I"m going to keep looking though and thanks for the input!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Mandi, with the Johnson controllers you can set the heated part of the tubs to the desired temperature, depending on your thermocouple probe placement. Usually, the back of the tub is where the heat tape is placed, so you would want the temps to be 90-92. You will need to make several holes in the tubs to promote air circulation, and maintain the front temps at room temperature.

 

[GeckoMandi]

Well I'm going tub hunting tonight, I think the 28qt is going to be to big as well, Mike is going to do the holes and all the main construction I'm going to observe!! lol But I wanted to make sure I get the temps and everything right because he is use to working with corn snakes not geckos

 

[eyelids]

The only place you can find 15qt tubs is Target...

 

[GeckoMandi]

The only place you can find 15qt tubs is Target...

I looked there! I'm going to some out of town stores tonight to tub hunt!

The one here doesn't even carry 15qt, I prefer the rubbermaid clear impressions but I can't find those either, I looked at lowes but they only the huge ones, my search isn't over