My First Rack

So, as you all know, Ball Pythons ARE in fact like Pringles, and I have popped and now can't seem to stop. I only have my 09 1.0 Pastel, but already am itching to bring home my next ball. Obviously, a rack seems to be the way to go. The breeder who I bought Wyatt from is willing to part with a rack, and I wanted ya'lls opinions and experience. I am on a pretty tight budget, so some of the $2,3,400 racks are out of the question...

I only want a few tubs, because no matter how much I'd love to, the lady would never let me get more than a few...Sooooo, it looks like my ideal rack would have 3-4 tubs that could house a full grown ball python eventually.

The breeder is willing to part with his Animal Plastics Sterilite 1960 Series
Adult Rack System, which has three 41 qt. tubs, and has heating already... Here is a photo courtesy AnimalPlastics.com:

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/...end1/3High.jpg

He is willing to part with it for $100, with heat and tubs, which seems like a great deal, but you all would have better opinions than a newbie like myself. It is definitely the right number of tubs i'm looking for, and seems like the right size and a respectable company

Also, I have a reptitemp 500r on the way for my single tank, and have read that it would work for the rack as well once I move to that. I would eventually save up for a helix or herpstat in the near future, but would the 500r be sufficient in the meantime? How do you go about making it compatible with a rack (I have zero knowledge about heat tape/thermostats together.) Once I can afford to upgrade, what is an economical "best buy"?

Thanks as always for the advice and expertise you guys are so willing to share:salute:

Sounds like a great deal to me. I have 2 AP racks and have no problems with them. I have no experience with that thermostat though. Is it a digital therm? All my thermostats are digital. I have 2 Helix proportional. 2 Ranco and 1 Herpstat. Im not sure I would trust one without a clearly visible display with numbers. Im sure it would be fine as long as you properly adheared the probe to the heat tape on the rack. Just be sure you moniter the temps for a couple days before putting snakes in it. I have seen people selling a 3 tub rack like that for $300.00 used so If you have the extra money I would definately get it if its in good shape.

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...

That is a very solid deal man. $100 even for the rack, tubs, and heat? NOT BAD at all.

The only problem I can think of, is it might be too large to comfortably house an 09 BP seeing as he is most likely under 500 grams, but I am sure it would be a great pickup to use in the long-run.

Just go check it out before you buy it.

I know the guy from buying Wyatt, and he wouldn't sell me a sub-par rack, he is simply moving up to a huge rack and has no need for this.

As far as it being too big for my 09, should I just keep him in his tank till he hits the 500 mark, or is there a way to section off the tub or simply fill it with enough stuff to make it seem smaller? He's currently in a 30 gallon tank but has enough plants and hides to make it feel much smaller, not sure if I could do the same for a tub until he hits the 500 mark

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

I know the guy from buying Wyatt, and he wouldn't sell me a sub-par rack, he is simply moving up to a huge rack and has no need for this.

As far as it being too big for my 09, should I just keep him in his tank till he hits the 500 mark, or is there a way to section off the tub or simply fill it with enough stuff to make it seem smaller? He's currently in a 30 gallon tank but has enough plants and hides to make it feel much smaller, not sure if I could do the same for a tub until he hits the 500 mark

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EDIT - wait nevermind.... I was right at what I said first.

I think 41 qt tubs are used for bigger adults, like 2000+ grams

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

I would still buy it even if you are not gonna use it now. $100 for a rack like that is a steal. You wont find that anywhere else. Also if it is sterilite 41 tubs. You could use 32qt sterilites instead, they are the same dimenssions. Just not as long as the 41qt.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danounet

I would still buy it even if you are not gonna use it now. $100 for a rack like that is a steal. You wont find that anywhere else. Also if it is sterilite 41 tubs. You could use 32qt sterilites instead, they are the same dimenssions. Just not as long as the 41qt.

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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

Quote:

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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!

Quote:

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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.

Quote:

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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?

Quote:

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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.

Quote:

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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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Personally I don't know why people are always talking about the "bad smell" from breeding mice. As long as you keep things clean it won't smell. I use shredded newspapers and aspen mixed together as the bedding, and it absorbs urine great and the aspen I use really covers up the smell. After you create your tubs, buy the breeders your going to use, and buy them an exercise wheel, its virtually barely ANYTHING to keep it running. $7 every 6 weeks in rat/mouse food, $6 every 6 weeks in bedding, and that is really about it. Go check out the mice breeding section of this forum. You might find a lot of the posts useful man.

I have a post up of my tubs and breeder mice. If your planning on having 3 ball pythons (I think you said 3) then breeding your own feeders will save you a lot of money in the long run. Its a fun project to do also if you have a little extra time on your hands. :gj:

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

Personally I don't know why people are always talking about the "bad smell" from breeding mice. As long as you keep things clean it won't smell. I use shredded newspapers and aspen mixed together as the bedding, and it absorbs urine great and the aspen I use really covers up the smell.

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Part of the problem for me was my allergies, since I can only use paper or Carefresh as bedding - no aspen or anything else wood-based. But despite weekly scrubbings and a glass tank, I still found the smell to be intrusive... maybe it's just me, but even a small amount of rodent stench is too much. :P

Yea, for now I definitely will just buy my feeders. I have to do a lot more work on the lady just to add to the collection, let alone bring rodents into the picture...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Yea, for now I definitely will just buy my feeders. I have to do a lot more work on the lady just to add to the collection, let alone bring rodents into the picture...

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But they are so cuuuuuteeeeeeeee!

Actually they do take some of your time, you have to clean up their enclosures at least once a week. These are some crappy pics of when I was breeding ASFs.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...i/100_1713.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...i/100_1725.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...i/100_1737.jpg

You know feeding them to my snake is one thing, I mean atleast they can be talked into eating a mouse I never killed.


But raising the mice and then giving them to the snake?

Personally I just don't think I can be that detached. Even if I name the feeders after members of congress.

What is the time schedule, i.e. how long till they breed, then how long till the drop the kids, then how fast will the offspring grow?

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

What is the time schedule, i.e. how long till they breed, then how long till the drop the kids, then how fast will the offspring grow?

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There is a feeder section bellow here in BP.net. Lots of info there :gj:

So to reel it all back in, I am definitely getting the rack, and as soon as the guy sells his last two 09's I'll make the 30 minute drive to pick it up.

In the meantime, I got my reptitemp 500r in, and have noooooo idea how to properly hook it up to my glass, UTH heated tank...Does anyone have idiot proof directions? I have an accurite and currently just shut off the UTH by hand when temperatures exceed 95, which sadly can be often...

I've read a lot, but just can't seem to get a full grasp on the step by step way to get the repti 500r working for me. Thanks guys

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

So to reel it all back in, I am definitely getting the rack, and as soon as the guy sells his last two 09's I'll make the 30 minute drive to pick it up.

In the meantime, I got my reptitemp 500r in, and have noooooo idea how to properly hook it up to my glass, UTH heated tank...Does anyone have idiot proof directions? I have an accurite and currently just shut off the UTH by hand when temperatures exceed 95, which sadly can be often...

I've read a lot, but just can't seem to get a full grasp on the step by step way to get the repti 500r working for me. Thanks guys

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step 1 - just stick the unit to the side of the glass

step 2 - plug the UTH into the reptitemp

step 3 - plug the reptitemp in

step 4 - tape the probe to the UTH (outside of tank on the bottom, right onto the UTH itself)

step 5 - adjust the knob until your thermometer consistently reads between 88-95

step 6 - make sure your thermometer probe is in the tank on top of the glass above the UTH.

step 7 - relax :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PurplePython

step 1 - just stick the unit to the side of the glass

step 2 - plug the UTH into the reptitemp

step 3 - plug the reptitemp in

step 4 - tape the probe to the UTH (outside of tank on the bottom, right onto the UTH itself)

step 5 - adjust the knob until your thermometer consistently reads between 88-95

step 6 - make sure your thermometer probe is in the tank on top of the glass above the UTH.

step 7 - relax :gj:

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Type of tape? And just to the non-sticky side of the UTH, the side that says Zoomed?

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Type of tape? And just to the non-sticky side of the UTH, the side that says Zoomed?

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i would suggest aluminum plumbers tape...

Walmart?

????????

i got a 500r running right now,with a digi thermo on it, this thig works good for me a while heck i even have it on my incubator right now and its holding as good as my buddys herpstat, but i have it all set up different, anyway, when i did run it on my uth i just duct taped the thermo probe and the 500r probe together and then duct taped it to the uth, no problems ever, other than when u take the tape off its gooey:gj: oh yea and remember that last step........relax. oh and as far as bigger tubs for small snake put some hides in that mug bug and rocks and junk make it small lol:gj:

Picking up the AP sterilite 1960 this Wednesday from the breeder, and had a few questions for ya'll:

1. What all should go in the hide? It's a 41 qt, and I've been told that I need to maybe make the rack "smaller" by filling it with some stuff other than a water dish

2. I hear good things about the deli cup water dishes, and saw justin kobylka using the PVC...Anyone have a technique they prefer/suggest?

3. Best Substrate for a rack?

4. I've heard complaints about the sterilite tubs and how they have grooves, etc. that can be a pain to clean. Is there a tub that would work in the rack other than sterilite? Would I just need to find something with the same dimensions as the 1960 (34 3/4"L x 16 1/2"W x 6"H)?

5. Technique for hooking up a thermostat to the heat tape? The rack is three feet deep with only a front opening so I wasn't sure how to get it back there, or which spot on the heat tape to hook it up to (which level i guess)

6.Could a smaller tub be put in the rack until Wyatt gets larger?

7. Any other advice/opinions/photos? Thanks guys:salute:

A whole hour and 20-something minutes and no BP.net knowledge sharing? I'm shocked...

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

A whole hour and 20-something minutes and no BP.net knowledge sharing? I'm shocked...

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:rofl:

1 - You could get a bunch of hides and try to fill up the tub with some decor.

2 - I dont think the deli cups thing is an advantage for a small collection. I wash 3 or 4 ceramic bowls no problem.

3 - This is up to you really. I've used aspen, cypress much and newspaper. Newspaper is the easiest.

4 - The grooves are not much of a big deal. I started out with sterilite 32qts that had them. I think is more of a sales point.

5 - Just put the probe in there by the edge. I would place it in the middle tub. Use aluminum tape.

6 - Like I told you before, try and see if one of the 32qt sterelite will fit in there.

7 - Dont worry so much, just try the danm thing out :P

anyone else? pics? total rack noooooob:confused:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Picking up the AP sterilite 1960 this Wednesday from the breeder, and had a few questions for ya'll:

1. What all should go in the hide? It's a 41 qt, and I've been told that I need to maybe make the rack "smaller" by filling it with some stuff other than a water dish

Nothing but a snake. The hide is something with only one opening. One way in and out. Can be plastic. Can be a box cut from something in your pantry in the kitchen. Can be a plastic cereal bowl from the dollar store. Must be small enough for only the snake to fit in it. Ball pythons prefer tight fitting hides. Put 3 or 4 in such a big tub so it can choose. Hot side and cool side hides.

2. I hear good things about the deli cup water dishes, and saw justin kobylka using the PVC...Anyone have a technique they prefer/suggest?

Regular small dog or cat bowls. The kind you cant tip over. Or ceramic bowls designed for small animals from a pet store. Any bowl which is wide and shallow to prevent tipping over. Also keep in mind baby BPs can drown if its too large.

3. Best Substrate for a rack?

Easiest is simply newspaper and paper towels. Never use anything which is very small and can clump in the mouth during feeding time if the snake misses the strike. I use aspen beddign for small mammels personally.

4. I've heard complaints about the sterilite tubs and how they have grooves, etc. that can be a pain to clean. Is there a tub that would work in the rack other than sterilite? Would I just need to find something with the same dimensions as the 1960 (34 3/4"L x 16 1/2"W x 6"H)?

I cant answer this one because I use sterilite. I personally do not have a problem with them.

5. Technique for hooking up a thermostat to the heat tape? The rack is three feet deep with only a front opening so I wasn't sure how to get it back there, or which spot on the heat tape to hook it up to (which level i guess)

Therms come with a probe on a long cord. If you mount the therm to the front of the rack, the probe may reach into one level and reach the heat tape. Otherwise you will need to cut or drill a small hole in the back of the rack. At one level just above or to the side of the where the heat tape is. Then you can properly tape the probe onto to heat tape with aluminum tape. Which can be found at most hardware stores. Doesnt matter which level the probe is taped to as long as it is taped directly on the heat tape. You may need to tape it on the sidewall where the heat tape comes down to avoid the tub hitting it when pushed in or out.

6.Could a smaller tub be put in the rack until Wyatt gets larger?

Only if the tub is easly reachable from the front of the rack. If you can push a smaller tub all the way back so it can be on the heat tape, but can reach in to pull it out then yes. You can use a smaller tub.7.

Any other advice/opinions/photos? Thanks guys:salute:

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You can loosly crumple some newspaper to make random wads of paper in the tub if it is a big tub. Clutter makes a BP feels more secure. You can use a large tub if the proper size hides are being use. Proper means the BP can barely fit in the hide. Curled up and touching all sides of the hide.

Haha i'm in idiot. I know what a hide is...what should go in the tub...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ALTownsend1

Haha i'm in idiot. I know what a hide is...what should go in the tub...

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The simplest way is to use newspaper, I use 2 layers of newspaper. A water bowl. I use a 4 inch heavy ceramic one. And a hides. I use one in 28/32qts. For a smaller snake in a 41, I would probably use 2 hides and fill some of the empty space with crumble newspaper. That's pretty much it.

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Originally Posted by Danounet

. That's pretty much it.

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That sentence sums up why I'm pumped to get out of a glass aquarium...:banana:

I'm looking at getting a temp gun, nothing too fancy. My rack is three feet deep and closed in besides the front, is it okay to pull each tub out all the way and immediately check temps, or will removing the tub give me an inaccurate reading?

:confused::confused::confused:

Hi,

I pull the tubs out about half way then shoot the spot as quickly as I can. :)

It will start to cool down when it is no longer on the heat of course but you don't need to be quickdraw McGraw. :gj:


dr del

Thanks, I'll definitely do that

Before I move Wyatt in (besides setting the temps) I want to thoroughly clean the tubs and rack, it definitely has an odor. Most likely I'm going to just buy new tubs, but does anyone have a cleaning technique to eliminate odor? Can I clean the rack itself as well? Thanks guys, anxious to get it all set up but want to make sure I prepare