Looking at switching from tanks (sorry its long :(

[oliverstwist]

I have had snakes for coming on four years in january (scary thing is... I got them when i met my husband! EEP!). Anyway, a few of mine are up to breeding size and while I still dont plan to breed until next fall I feel I need to look at getting my setups changed over.

Currently, they are all in correct sized tanks. Which when you have 5 animals and plan on a few more takes up a HUGE amount of space.

I'm thinking about using tubs and setting up a heat tape system OR we are getting ready to move in august and (i havent seen the house) but IDEALLY would like to set a room temperature so i didnt need a heating system.

What I HAVE - Female mojave bp (need to get her a mate)
Pet - 4 year old cal king
Albino RTB
Normal RTB
S. (i cant spell it :/ ) Blood python 1.4 yrs

So WHAT is the best way to do all of this in a most cost effective mannor. I figure selling off all the huge nice cages will help offset the cost some.

I breed hedgehogs and they are set up in sterilite tubs and i like that!

[Skittles1101]

I think the most ideal setup would probably be to build your own rack. If you aren't handy at all (or your husband) then it can get very pricey getting premade racks/cages that are size appropriate for each breed. I'm not sure on the cal king or blood but I know ball pythons females fit well in the CB-70 rack from ReptileBasics.com, males don't need as much room. RTBs I know females should have at least a 6' enclosure, males 4' unless they are abnormally large. I'd imagine blood need a lot of room also. IMO, I'd build a custom rack (I've heard melamine is used quite often) and make each one size appropriate.

[Alexandra V]

Like LGray said, your best bet would probably be to make your own rack, and use sterilite/rubbermaid type tubs in it. Bloods don't get much longer than ball pythons, but they do get much girthier, so They'll need a cage that's slightly larger, but it shouldn't need to be drastically bigger than that of a ball python.

What you could consider doing is getting all the tubs at the same height, just different floor dimensions, and make it so that the rack can hold any size tub that height. That way, you can fit them all into one unit.

[oliverstwist]

Excellent ideas! I guess my next question is, has anyone out there made a rack to hold such varying sizes of cages? Ive seen to boaphile set ups, are there any other pictures i need?

[Skittles1101]

I've heard of people getting IKEA shelving and then just adjusting it to their need by drilling extra holes, etc. I'd start by getting the size tubs you know you need then start from there.