My multi-tub rack setup :)

[Skittles1101]

My Sterilite cage setup
I wanted to find a cheap, efficient, and good looking way to house my ball python. I searched the web for endless hours looking up ways to make cages that can stack to save space. I came up with the following options:
-Buy online and pay massive shipping
-Make myself
-Take a roadtrip to buy one without paying shipping

After looking at countless ideas from other very helpful members of this site, I came up with this. I want to share it for anyone looking for something similar.
You will need:
-4 shelf mutlipurpose rack (found at Walmart for about $37.oo)
-Clear Sterilite containers with lids, of your choice in size (also found at Walmart, mine were about $14.00 each)
-4 covers for the shelf (I used Handypanel from Home Depot at $5.00 each, cut to 34" x 12")
-Black Con-tact shelf liners (Home Depot $6.00) (optional, can use next item instead, I used both)
-Black satin spray paint for plastic (can use shelf liners and/or spray paint)
-Flexwatt with cords (I used the 11", and had about 3 feet of it)
-Aluminum tape and electrical tape
-Thermostat (I use a Spyder Robotics Herpstat. $118 grounded shipped)
-Twisy-ties

First I put the rack together, which doesn't require any tools, and I did it myself so I doubt you'll have any problem. These are also adjustable shelves, so you can make them as tall or as short as you like. You can also buy extra shelves separately if you need more, as it only comes with 4.



Then I cut the Con-tact paper to fit along the two sides and back of each container. Place along each side and back, this can get tricky as air bubbles like to get between the plastic and adhesive. (If you aren't using the Con-tact paper, spray paint the sides and back of the container, you may need more than one can!)




(Outside!) Spray paint the tops of the containers for extra security. Dries in about 15 mins.

Place handypanel (or other flat material) on each shelf.

For the flexwatt, I used to 11", 1' sheet on each shelf. If you buy them pre-assembled you really only have to tape them down using the aluminum tape. I just cut and spliced an extension cord to attach all the flexwatt sheets together, then used clamps to secure them. Placed electrical tape on any metal showing, then taped them down to the boards. Plug them into your thermostat On the middle shelf I let a little of the flexwatt hang over the edge so I can tape the thermostat probe onto it without it being directly under the tubs, since it is round. I secured the loose cords to the rack using twisty-ties.




So this is my rack! Hope someone can use this and build their own, it really was wallet friendly and easy to do, even I didn't have any issues getting this together alone. If you have any questions please ask

[Skittles1101]

Just adding that the only thing left to do (I got a little ahead of myself) is to drill holes into the top part for air. You can use an electric drill, or some people superheat a metal coat hanger and burn holes into the top.

[blushingball419]

I'm using the exact same shelf (and the same method of having some sort of wood panel underneath the tubs)!! Great minds think alike haha The only thing for me is that I'm going to try and find a way to glue/attach some boards to the underside of each shelf too so it will be more like an actual rack and I don't have to take off 10 clips per tub every time I want to get my snake out

Great tutorial though!! Those shelf units are awesome. Just thought I'd mention that I drill the holes in the sides of my tubs instead of the top, but I'm sure the top would work fine too.

[Skittles1101]

Haha that's great! I started drilling the holes yesterday after I posted this...and they are on the sides too. I figured the humidity will stay better if they were on the sides as opposed to the top. Great minds think alike

What are you using for clips? I was going to look into some sort of clips, but I wanted to see luggage straps too...I've heard they are pretty good.

[blushingball419]

I use the medium (1 1/4 inch) black binder clips from walmart. It's only a little more than a dollar for 12 of them, and they do work really well. With my first tub I used the large ones, but they end up sticking out too much from the tub for my taste, plus you only get 6 of them per box.

I thought about using luggage straps/bungee cords, but I'm so paranoid about my snakes escaping and, at least in my mind, they wouldn't be as effective as the clips that actually pinch the lid and the side of the tub together. But I have heard that some people use them with no problem, so it's up to you.

So yeah, the clips work well, but like I said, I'm getting sick of having to take them off every time I want to handle my snake, and then putting them back on. I'm sure it would be much easier to just be able to slide them out like an actual rack. I'm thinking of trying to use rabernet's "Frugal Herper's Snake Rack" sticky, and put some eucaboard (or some kind of board) on the underside of the shelves. I actually thought about getting that plastic unit that she shows in the sticky, but I really like how sturdy these metal ones are (plus I think they look nicer haha).

[Skittles1101]

Ohhh good idea with the binder clips.....hmmm they've worked out well so far?

[blushingball419]

Yup, they work great!

[dmsfd7]

I know this is an old thread but I'm new here. I've been looking for a system to make with plastic tubs and really love this one. Few questions if you don't mind. How hard/easy is it to use flexwatt? What temp do you keep the room you snakes are in? Thanks