Rack Questions

[Abigailluvsgeckos]

Abigail my 5 year old has decided she needs to build to 9 leopard geckos and who would I be to disagree. (she has 3 now) So I have a few questions on rack systems as I have tried to find as many pictures in the forum that I could.
1. Should the rack have sides and a back? I have seen them open and closed.
2. With heat cables, if it is closed do they heat the entire inside of the box maybe not to the temp of the thermostat but raise the inside air temp?

We were thinking 3 wide and three tall to achieve the 9 tubs so she'll probably end up with 12. Any other picture would be great or just advice we appreciate it all. Thank you for the input in advance.

 

[snowgyre]

Racks only need a side and a back for 2 reasons:

1. If you use lidless containers. You'll need to have a back to make sure your containers are flush so your geckos can't escape.
2. If you're worried about cold temperatures. A closed rack will retain heat better than an open rack, but ventilation and overheating can be a problem.

Heat cables can heat the entire inside of the box, but most of the time you're just shooting for a comfortable basking spot of around 90-95 degrees. If you're heating the entire container, your hot spot may very well be too hot. This of course depends upon what the ambient temperature of the room is, as well as if the rack is open or closed.

I just wrote THIS about building a cheap, portable rack. It may be too redneck for your tastes, but it works. ^_~

 

[Abigailluvsgeckos]

Yes I read your directions and I am not above building one just like it. With the heating cable question I was going to use them just for a basking spot but am concerned if the radient heat would cause a closed rack to become to hot. Thank you for the input.