Snake racks

I've been thinking about getting a couple snake racks, since I have twenty-three ball pythons not including the babies and juvies. I've always used custom acrylic reptile tanks but they take up a lot of space and snack racks are much more efficient. So I have some questions about them. Basically does anyone know where I can get a snake rack for cheap? I'd like to compare quality snack racks and some cheaper ones too. Also do I have to use heat tape? I know that it's the best form of belly heat to use with a snake rack and that it's recommended but I was wondering if I have to use heat tape or do I have other options? How do you install heat tape or does it come with instructions when you order it? How long does it last? I'd assume that it's like a heat pad and last for a while. Thanks in advance.

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Originally Posted by pythoncrazy

I've been thinking about getting a couple snake racks, since I have twenty-three ball pythons not including the babies and juvies. I've always used custom acrylic reptile tanks but they take up a lot of space and snack racks are much more efficient. So I have some questions about them. Basically does anyone know where I can get a snake rack for cheap? I'd like to compare quality snack racks and some cheaper ones too. Also do I have to use heat tape? I know that it's the best form of belly heat to use with a snake rack and that it's recommended but I was wondering if I have to use heat tape or do I have other options? How do you install heat tape or does it come with instructions when you order it? How long does it last? I'd assume that it's like a heat pad and last for a while. Thanks in advance.

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im not sure about all the brands but if you can keep your room heated to 85 you can do without the hotspot (i think it was Deborah who does this?) so you dont "need" heat tape/hot spot. you can also use heat-wire, but ive heard bad things about it. RBI sells these http://www.reptilebasics.com/wire-clip-insulator-set to connect the heattape, but their might be other ways (idk, ive never use it). but im pretty sure you can wire all the strips of tape together to use on one tstat(dont quote me on that). hope i helped

Look here all instruction to build ur own

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...r-s-Snake-Rack

I hope that helps u, im gonna build one like it

Pretty much the only cheap way to get one is to build it yourself or buy a used one from Craigslist.

I think you should just build one. I built one very similar to the one in the link above, except I have lids on my tubs. The total cost was about $150, that is including heat tape and tubs. I already had a ranco thermostat, so you will pay more if you don't have a thermostat. I can fit 10 28qt tubs on the rack, and it is so much cheaper than anything that you can buy premade to fit 10 tubs.

Basically the total price, plus a thermostat, is still cheaper than a boaphile or equivalent.

I built my 6 tub rack with thermostat, heat tape wood and sealer for about $150. You can find damaged wood at lowes or depot and they will mark it down. Just takes some working to figure out how to make your cuts around the damaged area.

I also had a half sheet of wood left that I just built a 14 tub hatchling rack out of. Still have heat tape left and can wire to same thermostat as the adult rack. So really I built 2 racks for $150

I can pist pics if you would like to see them. Can also give you the measurements.

i bought mine. it takes 5 34 qt tubs or 10 15 qt Sterilite latch top tubs. I got it from boamasters at the tinley park show. I thought they were real reasonable and use 3/4" melamine wood. Also you can stack another one of there racks right on top of one another.

I think their website is boamasters.com

I agree with those who said to build your own. If you have access to XPVC this is by far the best design I've ever seen. I can't wait to switch all of my melamine racks to this material when I get out to San Diego in a year.

Here's the link: http://ssscales.com/archives/290

this is not cheap but an AWESOME company. IMO top of the industry. I'm buying one for myself for Christmas. (Its going to cost me $1000, to ship it to canada "booooo!!") My buddy owns them for his breeding business and they are sweet! I've noticed Markus Jayne even picked up a few of them.

http://www.arscaging.com/welcome.html

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Originally Posted by TKByrnes21783

I built my 6 tub rack with thermostat, heat tape wood and sealer for about $150. You can find damaged wood at lowes or depot and they will mark it down. Just takes some working to figure out how to make your cuts around the damaged area.

I also had a half sheet of wood left that I just built a 14 tub hatchling rack out of. Still have heat tape left and can wire to same thermostat as the adult rack. So really I built 2 racks for $150

I can pist pics if you would like to see them. Can also give you the measurements.

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Please do :)