My First Rack

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

So in that case, am i nowhere near needing this rack???? Could it still be ok for now or definitely no?

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Al I have read a few reptilecare blogs and alot of them I have read think "grow up cages are bunk."


I agree. My 09 BP is doing very well in her 36'" cage even though she is only an 09.


My advice is get and use the rack, double the amount of hides you use and you should be fine. I am not very experienced but I read alot of people had success in this way. And so far it works for me to.

Its a great deal! A Reptitemp 500 R will work for the rack! You need a thermometer and dial in the right temps which is a pain but once you got the right temp, its great!

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

That's the problem, it's not digital, and only does the "on" "off" regulation I believe...here is a link with info:

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75

He said it's in great shape, and I remember all his stuff being top quality, I hear AP mentioned on here all the time...

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I have one of those thermostats it is a dial that you can set for hotter or colder. It doesn't have temps on it so you have to set it then watch the temps and adjust accordingly. Once you get it in the right range it will stay there. The temp varies about five degrees so set it and let it be for a while, monitor the temps then adjust accordingly.

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Really? that is great news! would those sized tubs be ok for an 09?

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All I have ever used so far are 32qt tubs. Yes they were a little small for the tub in the begining. But as long as the snake is well started already you shouldnt have a problem. Either way they will grow into them before you know it.

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

yeah this is true. Although its not ideal to use such a big tub for such a young snake who probably isnt that big, this is STILL an amazing deal.

That rack with the tubs, heat, and shipping is around $225 brand new. Your saving over $100 and if its in good shape, that's an awesome deal.

You can probably fill the tub with small items like fake plants, 2 hides instead of 1, a slightly larger water dish than normal, ect, ect and it will be fine.

I have a late 09 pastel myself, and he isn't very big at all. I keep him in a 20 gallon long tank, which is basically too large for him, but I packed it nice with quite a lot of fake plants and fake hides, and pieces of driftwood so that he wont feel out in the open all the time.

Using something slightly too large isn't a big deal. He will grow to size before you know it anyway :gj:

In my opinion its always better to have an enclosure that is a little big too big instead of a little bit too small.

Go for it man.... its a good deal

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Thanks, I'm definitely gonna get it. Any opinion on the reptitemp 500r, or other thermostats for the future?

Also, anyone have suggestions for getting rid of my 30 gallon tank? Craigslist the best option?

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Thanks, I'm definitely gonna get it. Any opinion on the reptitemp 500r, or other thermostats for the future?

Also, anyone have suggestions for getting rid of my 30 gallon tank? Craigslist the best option?

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Well I really don't hear of many people that use rack systems using the reptitemp 500r. I use the reptitemp 500r but I use a tank currently. I am switching to a rack system sometime in the next month because I plan on getting another BP.

I don't know how well the reptitemp 500r works with a rack system, but I am assuming it works just fine....

In the future you might want to invest in a Helix (but those are somewhat expensive). I have never used a Helix but everyone says they are great.

You should hold onto the 30 gallon tank and consider breeding your own feeder mice/rats. If that's not an option for you, craigslist or a yard sale should help you sell it. Maybe ebay but I am not sure how much shipping would be and people might not want to buy it for that reason.

But I currently started a mice breeding project and I must say, its almost as fun as keeping a ball python. It's truly a fun little project and I am really excited for my first litter :salute:

As far as thermometer, I have the Accurite from walmart, so I have hot and cold sides covered, as well as humidity

I read the tubs help keep humidity as well..

for mice/rat breeding, what's the process? Do you sell them to others or what? How intense is the smell most importantly?:rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

for mice/rat breeding, what's the process? Do you sell them to others or what? How intense is the smell most importantly?:rolleye2:

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You should check the "feeder mice" forum (on here), where there's lots of info on breeding mice. I did it for a while, but found the smell and cost of upkeep didn't offset the savings... mostly the smell, since I live in an apartment with nowhere good to keep them. Just fed off the whole colony last week, which was a little hard but relieving at the same time. :oops:

Oh, but if you do decide to breed mice, there are ways to reduce the smell... glass tanks are probably best for containing it, you can use certain substrate combos, vanilla in the water, etc.