Looking to buy a snake rack

[CA cowgirl]

I've finally hopped on the bandwagon. I'm typical human - I can have a tendancy resist change. In fact, I successfully resisted the designer ball python fad for over 10 years! And we can see how that went with my current collection of snakes being dominated by bp morphs.

Anyhow, I want to get a rack for the majority of my snakes. This was inspired by the challenges of keeping a glass terrarium at the right humidity and temperature levels here in California, the heavy weight of glass cages (I do not want to move with those things), the challenge of reaching into the larger cages to clean, and this is also inspired by the desire to no longer feel cluttered with cages.

The manufacturer I keep going back to is RBI, but I know there are others I should consider. I'm leaning towards this Iris Sweaterbox Rack 32 qt from RBI with dividers, and the Iris CB-70 Rack. And I'd like to use the Ranco pre-wired thermostat that RBI carries, and get a temp gun. Just not sure which temp gun I should get. I see the $25 ones out there and then RBI sells some $50-100. I'm not sure if I want to stick with my Fluker's thermo/hygrometer, so if you have a suggestion there too, that'd be cool.

Things I desire in a snake rack:

• efficiency (heat/humidity)
• low to moderate cost
• manufacturer that'll be around for me to buy more stackable/compatible racks
• light weight but durable (probably PVC?)

While I don't have an unlimited budget, I like doing things right the first time, I tend to buy high quality, but not always is the top of the line the best (i.e. an Arai helmet is not superior to a Shoei helmet, its preference... and a Scorpion helmet is tough to beat for quality and features for the price!).

Thanks in advance for sharing! Please post photos if you can!

[irishanaconda]

i have 2 racks and both are boaphile. i had a ranco t-stat but it just took a dump so i have to get another. i have the sideways racks so i can change from 15q to 32q as i hatch and grow some out. i think ne of the racks/stats will work just fine but everyone has their perks and boaphiles is its nice and has been working well for years. plus jeff is a awesome guy to talk to. as far as a temp gun i got one for like 25$ that works fine from tempgun.com u do live in cali so if u want to fork out some money u can go check out freedom breeder in the valley

[jjmitchell]

I like my animal plastics economy racks..... They are cheap work well, stackable.....

[Southernshooter]

Ditto on what JJ said, Here's a link for them http://www.animalplastics.com/

[RichsBallPythons]

Check these out if you got the money. They complete with everything you need, just add snakes

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...d.php?t=157752

[withonor]

I know what you mean about maintaining the temperature and humidity in California. I need to use a CHE to maintain heat levels for about 18 hours of the day and I have to constantly adjust it. I may be ordering a Herpstat 2 thermostat soon so I can plug both devices into it. Dimmers are annoying when the room temperatures vary by 30-35 degrees throughout the day.

As far as racks go, I'm designing my own right now.

It's funny you used motorcycle helmets for your analogy. Scorpion is impossible to beat for quality and price. I just wish they fit me better. I have an HJC now, my first helmet that I'm actually using for motorcycling (Have to wear a helmet when I race my car at the track). It's enormous but comfortable. I will be getting an Arai Quantum 2 when it's time for a replacement. Not because of the name but because it's fits the best. I'll stop derailing your thread now!

[CA cowgirl]

So one thing that I found that draws some concern, is that the Fusion Steel ad states, "No other rack, whether it’s constructed from melamine, pine or plastic will stand up against the high temperatures and humidity required to house reptiles. Fusion racks will not warp or peel []."

So anyone with RBI or Animal Plastics racks, how long have you had them, and have they warped at all with keeping balls at 80-90F with 50-60% humidity? RBI racks seems to give confidence that this shouldn't be an issue because they use 3/8" PVC... from their site:

Will these racks sag?
No, they are constructed with 3/8" material that is quite rigid but also light weight. The racks have been designed around the unique Iris brand boxes that put the majority of weight towards the outside walls. While much lighter and more durable than melamine racks or racks constructed of 1/2" PVC they will resist sagging equally well. A little thought in the design goes a long way.

[CA cowgirl]

I'm glad I'm not enduring this CA dry cold battle alone withonor... thanks for empathizing.

And I'm stoked you were able to relate with my motorcycle helmet analogy. When it comes to a helmet, the first thing after safety is comfort... glad you found what works for you. I just liked the quietness of the Shoei and ease of visor swap, but then, with earplugs, it might be no diff with an Arai. And they definitely offer two different fits. Thanks again for posting!

[GoBoilers]

Lol! Don't overlook HJC, too! I wish my head fit a Shoei...had a Scorpion, as well but also didn't fit my nogin. Couldn't beat the quality for the price, though!

[Vilenica]

Ive been happy with the cb-70 model from vision products. Add a robot like herpstat nd and your golden http://www.visionproducts.us/htm7/racks.html