What number of snakes would you need to have a rack ?

Where do you live?!

bay area. Shipping is expensive. Only place i know that ships is Layne labs. and i have to buy at least 100 rats to be cheaper than the rats i buy from locally.

I started to make my own rack after only having two ball pythons. Home Depot or Lowes will cut sheets for you, my HD does cuts for free, Lowes doesn't. Call them up before hand. It will save you loads of money and your snakes will be happier. I have acquired many ball pythons from other in tanks. I put them in a tub and even the ones that wouldn't eat will grab a frozen rodent within a week.

I'd go for it, look at the DIY forum and you will find may good plans!

how much money did you save from making it and how long did it take you?

I have seen someone out there that makes a three tub rack but they were expensive. I can't remember the company ATM but it was like $195 not including shipping so building your own might be a better option.

Racks save space and cost power. There are few things that have no down sides.

I keep track of my power bill just out of interest when I got my rack It cost me 40$ a month (winter) to heat 5 enclosures was costing me 10$ a month in power, during the same 4 months. I have since altered the rack (insulated panels and secondary heat) the alterations cost about 600$ but the power bill is now total everything 32$ monthly that is all 10 snakes and me.

building a rack I would look at stress skin panel construction. You can build your self panels and go from there. If you are completely lost now it might be best not to mess with it, they are not complicated but require space and some sill to build if you are completely unfamiliar with them, might be best to think on something else.

AP 3 tub rack... http://animalplastics.com/Sterilite/1960.htm

If you do decide to get more snakes, you can just order another one and stack them... :gj:

I have four snakes, but built a rack when I had three. It takes up hardly any space, was easy to make, and easier to maintain(IMO). I have not, however, checked the difference in my electric bill, but I haven't seen a significant jump.
With such a small rack I'm pretty sure it won't run as high as Kitemon's (but I've been wrong many times before, lol).

Go with a rack. Ball Pythons are like tattoo's, you always want another one.

Commercial racks can be found with as little as 3 tubs http://www.animalplastics.com/

My advice if you get a rack get one you can grow into if you just get what you need you will regret it.