Switching From Tanks to a Rack System

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

Oh crap. This whole time I have thought you were a woman

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

:oops::oops::oops::oops::oops:. Not that it makes any difference anyways though lol.

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lol that's ok, i get it a lot. i'm just a fabulous boy. ;)

another note on racking making materials: i've seen folks convert those plastic/pvc garage shelves. some even used the wire ones and heat cable.

Here are some pics from my second attempt at a very simple rack. I went the lidless way for these. Sweater tubs originally for juvi boas and currently using for ball pythons. Basically, build it up- side-down, the top on the floor, lay the tub down, use paper or something for your 1/4" spacer and then mark where the next level will go and then attach. I figured out the dims based on the tubs I bought, had home depot do the cuts, I laid it out and did the prep and had my ex put it together.

Been using it 7 years now and only thing I would do different is make my spacers a little larger as I sometimes get a tub that sticks when pulled out. I use back heat. Thinking I'll buy AP when I move and replace this one because I want to go with 10 or 12 high stack.
Good luck!
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...kStart1208.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...tart1208_2.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...tart1208_3.jpg

(pic is prior to drilling holes in tubs)
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...mpTest1208.jpg

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Originally Posted by Ax01

lol that's ok, i get it a lot. i'm just a fabulous boy. ;)

another note on racking making materials: i've seen folks convert those plastic/pvc garage shelves. some even used the wire ones and heat cable.

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I saw that thread. I thought it was a pretty good idea, but my fiance still wants to do wood. (I think he just wants to use power tools lol)

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

Here are some pics from my second attempt at a very simple rack. I went the lidless way for these. Sweater tubs originally for juvi boas and currently using for ball pythons. Basically, build it up- side-down, the top on the floor, lay the tub down, use paper or something for your 1/4" spacer and then mark where the next level will go and then attach. I figured out the dims based on the tubs I bought, had home depot do the cuts, I laid it out and did the prep and had my ex put it together.

Been using it 7 years now and only thing I would do different is make my spacers a little larger as I sometimes get a tub that sticks when pulled out. I use back heat. Thinking I'll buy AP when I move and replace this one because I want to go with 10 or 12 high stack.
Good luck!
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...kStart1208.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...tart1208_2.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...tart1208_3.jpg

(pic is prior to drilling holes in tubs)
http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m...mpTest1208.jpg

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Oh good idea building it upside down, thanks. 3/4 of my BP's like to push their noses up against the tank lids. I'll be paranoid that they'll escape or get their noses stuck. I better just go with the snapping lids.

When I was looking at the tubs at Lowe's I only found a 15qt snap lids that was proportioned well for snakes. The others were too tall. Of course the regular bins were perfect -.-. Now I have to go check Wal-mart. I work at Lowe's so I was hoping to get my 10% discount.

For juvies I use these black bus tubs they are 5.5" tall and just perfect for male and juvi females.

Shelves are cut 16"x24"
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psa0e970c3.jpg

the rails are 1"x.75" and attached with course thread drywall screws counter sunk into the shelf.

Heating is THG heat tape and I use a no solder method that's quick and easy no risk of failed joints
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps32165aa4.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psd5580987.jpg

Baby racks use back heat and adult racks just use a 16"x33" Shelf and a 41qt tub

As you can see they love the low height and black tubs
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps290a56c0.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psc8243eb7.jpg

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

For juvies I use these black bus tubs they are 5.5" tall and just perfect for male and juvi females.

Shelves are cut 16"x24"
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psa0e970c3.jpg

the rails are 1"x.75" and attached with course thread drywall screws counter sunk into the shelf.

Heating is THG heat tape and I use a no solder method that's quick and easy no risk of failed joints
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps32165aa4.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psd5580987.jpg

Baby racks use back heat and adult racks just use a 16"x33" Shelf and a 41qt tub

As you can see they love the low height and black tubs
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps290a56c0.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psc8243eb7.jpg

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So I guess with black, or any dark tubs, hides are unnecessary?

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

So I guess with black, or any dark tubs, hides are unnecessary?

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Nope and I've had bad feeders that turned in to great feeders with the black tubs.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Nope and I've had bad feeders that turned in to great feeders with the black tubs.

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That's great! Hopefully I can find some dark colored tubs with snap lock lids.

I just ordered all the heat tape, connectors, and wiring. Getting ready to go to wal-mart to pick up tubs. And then getting the lumber at work later today.

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

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.

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Walmart, home Depot and Lowes all sell tubs. Best bet is to buy the tubs and build the rack around them. Use the actual tub with some kind of thin spacer to figure out the spacing. Build up from the ground. Board, spacer, tub, board spacer, tub, etc. Drill the boards into the sides as you go up.

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Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow

That's great! Hopefully I can find some dark colored tubs with snap lock lids.

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Saw some 32 qt ones for Halloween at dollar general

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