rack or no rack

so i was am really debating whether to build a rack for my snakes and leopard gecko. my electric bill is getting larger and its some what hard to keep humidity and all that consistent. but i really feel that im gonna miss watching them all crawl around? what do you guys think i should do. and right now i only have a ball python, a corn snake, and a leopard gecko that i could keep in a rack, but im planning on getting a few more ball pythons.and what size tub should i use for adult ball pythons? oh, and if i do go with a rack what is better, with lid or without?

I switched to racks from tanks. I do miss seeing them in the tanks but I like the husbantry part of it much better! I have a quarantine animal in a tank right now until he's ready to go in with the others.

I have four of these racks: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Iris-Sw...t-p-16197.html and I love them!!!

As for the size of tub for adults, it depends on the snake, but usually 32qt for the males and 41qt for the females; though it takes a while for the females to outgrow the 32's.

The other thing I like about these racks is that Rich uses Iris tubs. I like the design of them and especially appreciate that they don't discontinue tubs all the time like Sterlite seems to do.

ok, so i think i might switch to a rack. but i don't have the money to buy something like you showed me starmom, so i think i would build something would that be ok? and if i were too build something that had 6 41qt tubs in it would a strip of 11" wide heat tape running down the back side w/ a thermostat be enough to heat it, or would i have to have a small strip of heat tape under each tub?

thanx for the info.:gj:

Im sure you could build something like this with half the cost....I mean it seems to me like its plastic tubs in racks, correct? Well im sure the even sell stuff like this at your local walmart that with little modification could look just as appealing as a 260+ dollar rack system?

I may be way wrong here but just something i would look into before shelling out that kind of money, college student or not haha

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Originally Posted by camb

ok, so i think i might switch to a rack. but i don't have the money to buy something like you showed me starmom, so i think i would build something would that be ok? and if i were too build something that had 6 41qt tubs in it would a strip of 11" wide heat tape running down the back side w/ a thermostat be enough to heat it, or would i have to have a small strip of heat tape under each tub?

thanx for the info.:gj:

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Anything you build will be great if it works!!! :D
Back heat or belly heat really depends on the environmental conditions that the rack is kept in. I have been told by other members on this forum that back heat seems to work best in a warmer room and belly heat works better in a cooler room :gj:
Also, run your tab prior to building to make sure you're saving what you hope you'll be. I have found that Rich's rack prices are really good given that he includes shipping and tubs :)

I'm gonna have to go with Starmom on this one, I've got two of the 32 qt RBI racks and they are top notch. I actually just bought one from a guy down here in NH for $150 Camb in perfect condition. I think he's still got another one for sale PM me if you want his contact info.

those racks sound great, but 32qt seem so small to put an adult bp in.

Wrong.
32qt is fine for all but a large female.
I got Rich's tub dividers to cut the tub space in half for my smaller snakes and for 2 of my snakes who are less secure and need tight quarters. :)
If you are wanting a display, look at Rich's cages. I have 6 of the 3x2x1 cages heated with RHP's. They look and work great :gj:

when you say large female do you mean an unusualy large female or like just an adult female.