can tubs be too big?

Hello, i'm thinking about building a simple rack. It will be my first, and i've been reading forums about rack designs and whatnot for months.


Im thinking about using tubs that are slightly bigger than most racks i've seen. the tubs i want are 39 x 20 x 6.5 tall, and a cb70 is 34 x 17 x 6. is there any downside to using a bigger tub? i'm thinking that a big female ball, or large male cornsnake will appreciate the extra room to stretch out in.

also, im only planning on having 5 or 6 tubs, and initially i thought about using human heating pads on each shelf. now im thinking about using one long heat cable for the whole rack. less wires, and only one dimmer switch to adjust.

any opinions, suggestions, or recomendations will be appreciated. thanks in advance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scutechute

i thought about using human heating pads on each shelf. now im thinking about using one long heat cable for the whole rack. less wires, and only one dimmer switch to adjust.

any opinions, suggestions, or recomendations will be appreciated. thanks in advance.

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The size of the tub will work fine however I would suggest you to use Flexwatt heat tape and a good thermostat (can be ordered here http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/home.php)

The heat tape can be ordered pre-wired at no extra cost and to your need.

Human heating pad is definitely a NO NO they are not designed for long term use or for use with reptiles.

Heat cable is not the greatest thing nor the easiest one to work with in a rack to provide belly heat.

Just my :2cent:

In a rack setup, flexwatt will be your cheapest setup if you do not already have the pads. Flexwatt may also need multiple dimmers run in succession depending on the dimmer. If you are making a rack, I would personally go with a thermostat. The Johnson or Rancos can be found for around $75 and will make things so much easier for you.

Personally I like the S-lite 41-qt tubs. At first glance I thought they were too small, but they are the pefect size and height in my opinion; they offer a cozy, snug fit for my largest females, and are perfect for breeding pairs, while it is easy to crowd them with hide spots and a large water dish for my still-growing Spider, Pastel and '06 female. One size fits almost all (but for smaller hatchlings they would be pretty large, so I plan on building a hatchling rack for this year's crop.)