Help? Wanting to add new BP to my collection

i just recently got my first ball python, a '12 albino, and now of course i want an even more expensive morph :D I'm thinking about getting a clown/pastel clown, ivory, or super fire in a couple months.

my problem is, i'm most likely moving out to college in about 2 1/2 years and getting an apartment. I'm trying to figure out if i should just go with another terrarium (tank) setup for the next BP, or go with a rack system? I'm kinda reluctant to get a rack system because i don't really want to restrict my BP to such a tight space, as well as not being able to view it in it's habitat as well. I'll probably go with racks if i go with breeding... but what do you guys think about my situation? any tips would be appreciated! thanks:rolleye2:

Sounds like you're already addicted. Invest in a rack. Newbies are always concerned about lack of space, but remember: BPs live in termite mounds, crammed into tiny spaces, and they're happy that way. A rack tub is a perfectly regulated, dark hide so it's perfect for BPs. You can build another tank setup if you want, but a rack is more space-efficient and that means you can get more snakes in a smaller space. ;)

yeah just a lil bit addicted lol. racks sound good, but my main concern is i can't see the snake, unless i pull it out to handle it. i know they like hiding, but if it wants to come out and wander around like mine does all the time at night, it doesn't have that luxury in a rack versus in a tank. hard decision for me lol

You could build a rack with the long part of the tub going from side to side instead of front to back. and then get clear tubs.

If you're not positive about breeding anytime soon, it can be fun to have tanks when you only have a few animals. Much more work though, and you could end up with less optimal conditions at times.

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Originally Posted by dillan2020

You could build a rack with the long part of the tub going from side to side instead of front to back. and then get clear tubs.

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would it cost alot to build a rack? is there a guide to building a rack? seems like lots of work lol i'm more of a just buy it than a build it yourself kinda guy. if i were to get a rack i was thinking somethin like this:

http://www.reptilebasics.com/iris-sw...y-or-back-heat

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Originally Posted by STjepkes

If you're not positive about breeding anytime soon, it can be fun to have tanks when you only have a few animals. Much more work though, and you could end up with less optimal conditions at times.

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wat do you think i should go with? over the next 2 1/2 years i will most likely only be getting 1 more snake, which means ill have 2. when i move out for college i'll most likely be getting one or two more tho

If you have the money for a rack now buy the biggest one you can. Not saying you need to fill it now but if your looking to add to your collection once you goto college you might as well have the rack before hand. I'm just a poor college student who wishes back when I had money before I moved on my own I bought two 4 tub racks but that's just me. Do what makes you happiest in the end two tanks isn't alot to clean if you go that way but at times it can be more of a chore cleaning two tanks but you can make them look prettier.

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Originally Posted by carlson

If you have the money for a rack now buy the biggest one you can. Not saying you need to fill it now but if your looking to add to your collection once you goto college you might as well have the rack before hand. I'm just a poor college student who wishes back when I had money before I moved on my own I bought two 4 tub racks but that's just me. Do what makes you happiest in the end two tanks isn't alot to clean if you go that way but at times it can be more of a chore cleaning two tanks but you can make them look prettier.

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my only concern about having two tanks is the space it takes up. tubs do take very little space. space isn't a problem now, but when i get my own apartment it might be, and when the snakes get bigger, i'll have to upgrade from 20 gal tanks to 40 gal... so i'm really not sure. wat do u think?

Go racks. It will be alot easier to move once it's time. Don't worry about it not having enough space. I find my girls would barely move and than becomes active around Monday (Thursday is my feeding day) it seems to get all the exercise it needs by going around the tub. That can tubs are so easy to access I find myself taking them out more often.

Cleaning 2 tubs is ALOT easier than clean 2 tanks. You will find yourself keeping up with cleaning compare to tanks.


As for not being able to observe ur snakes. Nothing offer the same visibility as a tank. My buddy has his bp in a tank and it almost never venture out of its hiding log (could be because it's a Adult male and it's not hungry all the time or could be because the tank is so visible it's scare to expose itself)

Mine on the other hand is always either moving around at the front of the tub where u can see it or attentively watching the front of tub. If its not it's either just been feed or in shed. A snake on a schedule is IMO a happy snake