Need help on tub sizes, and what do I put in the racks?

[ReptileJenna]

Okay, I'm probably the worst person I know when it comes to construction. The only thing I've ever built is a birdhouse out of popsicle sticks and glue.

So, I was wondering if anyone can give me threads on how to build a specific rack for a specific type of tub. Like, step by step instruction on that tub size, so I can just hand this to the Lowes worker and say, "This is what I need."

Anyways, I need to house tons of species, but have no idea what is a humane rack size. I'm currently on the path to making racks that house four foot tubs, which is going horribly to my own devices.

Also, do I put hides inside the racks? Leaves? Are the animals safe in the racks?

Here are my general species that I need tub sizes for. Also, could you please give me an exact brand, since one brand's 41 quart is different than the other:

Boa Constrictors
Ball Pythons
Milk Snakes
King Snakes
Kenyan Sand Boas
Random Rat Snakes
Other Common Colubrids
Leopard Geckos

I'm planning on getting the supplies today, so a fast reply would be amazing! Thanks!

[apple2]

Everything depends on the age for the snakes. Most people use the rubbermaid or sterlite (I know I spelled that wrong...) tubs. I'd look at the sticky threads in this section and in "Caging forum". They usually have pretty good advice for tubs.

For balls, the sizes are as follows.

Hatchling: 6 quarts
Juviniles: 15 quarts
Adult males/females under 2kg: 32 quarts
Females over 2kg: 41 quarts

(Thanks Deborah )

I'm not sure what you'd do for the boas. From what I know most people use custom enclosures for them like the Animal Plastics cages. You could probably use the ball size chart to infer sizes from there.

I have to go to work now, but I'll post more when I get back. Good luck!

[Pampho85]

Just to add onto what apple2 said, the VE 175 tub (20 7/8"W x 52 7/8"L x 14 1/16"H) is the best for boas, carpet pythons and other larger bodied snakes. Bad thing is it's only available around Christmas, since it is a Christmas tree tub.


Edit: This is a good site to buy tubs! http://www.reptiletubs.com/main.htm

[ReptileJenna]

Where can I find christmas tree tubs when they are for sale? Is there any specific website?

Thanks everyone

[Pampho85]

The website I listed above, Walmart, Target, Aldi should all have them around November-December time. No problem

- - - Updated - - -

Also, do you plan on building a rack or buying a rack for the Christmas tree tubs? I'd recommend that if you want to save a heck of a lot of money, build one yourself. Racks for these large tubs could run your $800+. Making one yourself could save you quite a few hundred dollars.

[apple2]

I'm reposting this to make it easier for people to read, seeing as there are responses since the first post.

Everything depends on the age for the snakes. Most people use the rubbermaid or sterlite (I know I spelled that wrong...) tubs. I'd look at the sticky threads in this section and in "Caging forum". They usually have pretty good advice for tubs.

For balls, the sizes are as follows.

Hatchling: 6 quarts
Juviniles: 15 quarts
Adult males/females under 2kg: 32 quarts
Females over 2kg: 41 quarts

(Thanks Deborah )

I'm not sure what you'd do for the boas. From what I know most people use custom enclosures for them like the Animal Plastics cages. You could probably use the ball size chart to infer sizes from there.

For the milk snakes, same thing goes except that both sexes can go in the 32 quart tubs as adults. This goes for all the other snakes as well.

6 quart for young leopard geckos, 15 quart for adults. This assumes you are keeping them separately. If not, use a 28 quart tub to keep a few in.