Couple snake rack questions

[Blackyote]

(It seems every time I post it's about that elusive snake rack... I had to wait forever to scrape up the money, but I will hopefully be building it next month!)

When I'm screwing the shelves onto my XPVC rack, would you guys recommend I use spacers? I was thinking of a single CD on either end, just so I know it'll slide easy. Also, since the Vision tubs don't have air holes, I figure a small gap is needed for ventilation. Should I use something even thinner to prevent escapes?

Also, what's common rack substrate? I'm going to be housing a variety of snakes (see signature) and was planning on paper towel with a thin layer of aspen on top.

Thanks, guys! I'm very excited about my snake rack and just wanna hammer out the details.

[Luciferskeeper]

Your putting all of those snakes in one rack?

[Blackyote]

Not the mussurana because he likes it cooler, and not the female BP because I want to give her more space, but the rest are going in appropriately sized tubs.

[kitedemon]

No the gap is IMO not enough ventilation at all. Top opening containers do not vent well. Open top freezers at grocery stores keep things frozen, if there were good air flow they would not work at all. (Like if you leave the fridge top freezer door open)

I don't quite get the comment above but typically multiple species in racks do not do well.

Something else to keep in mind is room temperatures. Racks typically need at least 76 degrees or more. They usually are kept at 80 or so degrees.


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[Blackyote]

Thanks for the response. How much of a gap would you recommend for proper ventilation? (Most tutorials don't mention spacers at all, or they like their tubs snug on the shelf, so I'm kind of confused.) I just don't want my animals escaping somehow or being tempted to try and escape, thereby damaging their noses.

If all of the species in the rack like their hot side around 90, would the issue be them... smelling each other? I already have multiple species in a room together. Obviously not in such close proximity, but I'm surprised they'd care?

[kitedemon]

A little gap is fine 2cds or so is likely fine I would recommend 1/4 inch holes drilled 2 inches from the top on at least one end if not both 10 or so staggered so strength remains.

Different species often have different requirements both temps and humidity and in some cases zoonosis is a possibility as well. Some species are asymptomatic carriers boas for example can carry Ibd for many years. This makes Quarntene impossible.


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[Blackyote]

That sounds doable, although part of me cringes to think of drilling holes into my precious Vision tubs. lol

I don't plan on ever keeping boa constrictors and would still do a three month quarantine with any new snake to prevent what I can. But I guess to some extent... I'm willing to risk it? There's always some degree of risk when you have a "snake room."