Switching From Tanks to a Rack System

Now that I have four snakes and want to get more I figure its time for me to get a rack. I have a few questions for people who have done the same switch.

I haven't gotten my electrical bill yet, but pretty sure its going to be a bit high. What was the difference in your electrical bill before and after going to a rack?

Was there a difference in feeding response? 3/4 of my snakes have refused the past two or three meals. One got moved to a bigger tank, another is shedding, and the third is new. The weather has also been stupid. One day high of 80 the next high of 60. So I'm constantly adjusting the lamp dimmers.

My fiance likes to build stuff, good for me sine I'm mechanically inept lol. I just ordered him a circular saw(wasn't an attempt at bribery at all ;)). He's asking me all these questions about dimensions. We have decided on 54" tall, 74" wide, and 24" deep. Ideally I want a shelf of 6qts, 15qts, 32qts, and 41qts. I was trying to look at the tubs online but I'm having trouble finding the right sizes. I'll probably just have to go to Wal-mart and Lowe's to see what's actually in stock. Where do you guys get your tubs? I've noticed that some people leave the lids on, some don't. I'm guessing that's more of a personal preference and the lids are unnecessary if you only leave a 1/4 inch gap between the top of the tub and the shelf? What width of heat tape do you use? It looks like most use 3" or 4".

I'll probably make another thread in the DIY forum once we actually start.

i built my own rack. :) i was gonna make a how-to thread but realized it was just like building a bookcase or shelf. anyway here is is:

http://i.imgur.com/1TME5lGl.jpg

anyway each shelf fits either (1) 32 quart, (2) 15 quart or (3) 6 quart tubs. i bought the cute purple with locking latch Sterilites at Target. i gave plenty of clearance so I can keep it lid on. i like the security of lids and latch, also helps with temps/humidity.

i use 6 inch heat tape I bought from Reptile Basics. i use 6 inch b/c it gets cold around here in the fall/winter and I don't always have the house heat on when i'm away. i wired it myself to full parallel. Tip: hardware stores and electronic stores will not have heat tape connectors and clip set. I bought them from Bean Farm. i made a channel with a Dremel to embed the thermostat probe in the middle shelf.

Cool I would like my Husband to build one of these, How are the temps from the heat tape? About your babies not eating the stress of a move just might be due to confused because of the changes , give them time to get acclimated they might also getting ready for a shed My babies won't eat when they go into this shedding stage Check everything every few hours I do thid lol and Congrats.

Sent from my SGH-T999

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Cool I would like my Husband to build one of these, How are the temps from the heat tape? About your babies not eating the stress of a move just might be due to confused because of the changes , give them time to get acclimated they might also getting ready for a shed My babies won't eat when they go into this shedding stage Check everything every few hours I do thid lol and Congrats.

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great! i was surprised at first how fast heat tape gets up to temps and how well it works. make sure u get a good quality proportional thermostat like a Herpstat, Helix or Vivarium Electronics, etc. just remember that usually u place 1 probe for the entire shelf to regulate the heat tape. i then use a infrared temp gun to test the other shelves/heat tape/tub and adjust the thermostat accordingly to get the best temps across the whole rack.

Thanks for the advice , I think for my Ball Pythons and my Bloods I would not use the Tub lid and do the Rack flush kinda, On my Kings Im stuck doing all the Pros and Cons of the Rack it would have to be a real tight to the Rack board mine are all Babies and escape Artists and I have a Bumblebee that can escape thru small cracks He is a Professional Escape Artists. I sat up all night in the dark and watched him I was amazed at him lifting the heavy metal top up.

Sent from my SGH-T999

I do like the One in the picture, looking forward to see the finished Product come alive with your Beautiful Snakes.

Sent from my SGH-T999

Good Job..;) :) :)

Nice job Ax! Wish I was as handy as you. I took shop class in high school to try to broaden my horizons, I was scared of most of the saws lol. I like the locking lids, I'll probably get some like that. Rather be safe than sorry. I don't want any babies getting out, then going under the door and getting jumped by my cats >.<.

I put construction paper on all four sides when before I just had three. Hoping that will help them feel more secure. Even though they keep crawling up the tank to peep out -.-....lol.

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

Nice job Ax! Wish I was as handy as you. I took shop class in high school to try to broaden my horizons, I was scared of most of the saws lol. I like the locking lids, I'll probably get some like that. Rather be safe than sorry. I don't want any babies getting out, then going under the door and getting jumped by my cats >.<.

I put construction paper on all four sides when before I just had three. Hoping that will help them feel more secure. Even though they keep crawling up the tank to peep out -.-....lol.

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haha yeah. i feel my man points go up every time i use power tools. :D

http://i.imgur.com/qK50dgMl.jpg

But these were we're just basic straight cuts. i didn't do any fancy miter cuts, bevels, etc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

haha yeah. i feel my man points go up every time i use power tools. :D

http://i.imgur.com/qK50dgMl.jpg

But these were we're just basic straight cuts. i didn't do any fancy miter cuts, bevels, etc.

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Oh crap. This whole time I have thought you were a woman :oops::oops::oops::oops::oops:. Not that it makes any difference anyways though lol.