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Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
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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i built my own rack. :) i was gonna make a how-to thread but realized it was just like building a bookcase or shelf. anyway here is is:
http://i.imgur.com/1TME5lGl.jpg
anyway each shelf fits either (1) 32 quart, (2) 15 quart or (3) 6 quart tubs. i bought the cute purple with locking latch Sterilites at Target. i gave plenty of clearance so I can keep it lid on. i like the security of lids and latch, also helps with temps/humidity.
i use 6 inch heat tape I bought from Reptile Basics. i use 6 inch b/c it gets cold around here in the fall/winter and I don't always have the house heat on when i'm away. i wired it myself to full parallel. Tip: hardware stores and electronic stores will not have heat tape connectors and clip set. I bought them from Bean Farm. i made a channel with a Dremel to embed the thermostat probe in the middle shelf.
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Cool I would like my Husband to build one of these, How are the temps from the heat tape? About your babies not eating the stress of a move just might be due to confused because of the changes , give them time to get acclimated they might also getting ready for a shed My babies won't eat when they go into this shedding stage Check everything every few hours I do thid lol and Congrats.
Sent from my SGH-T999
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58
Cool I would like my Husband to build one of these, How are the temps from the heat tape? About your babies not eating the stress of a move just might be due to confused because of the changes , give them time to get acclimated they might also getting ready for a shed My babies won't eat when they go into this shedding stage Check everything every few hours I do thid lol and Congrats.
great! i was surprised at first how fast heat tape gets up to temps and how well it works. make sure u get a good quality proportional thermostat like a Herpstat, Helix or Vivarium Electronics, etc. just remember that usually u place 1 probe for the entire shelf to regulate the heat tape. i then use a infrared temp gun to test the other shelves/heat tape/tub and adjust the thermostat accordingly to get the best temps across the whole rack.
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Thanks for the advice , I think for my Ball Pythons and my Bloods I would not use the Tub lid and do the Rack flush kinda, On my Kings Im stuck doing all the Pros and Cons of the Rack it would have to be a real tight to the Rack board mine are all Babies and escape Artists and I have a Bumblebee that can escape thru small cracks He is a Professional Escape Artists. I sat up all night in the dark and watched him I was amazed at him lifting the heavy metal top up.
Sent from my SGH-T999
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
I do like the One in the picture, looking forward to see the finished Product come alive with your Beautiful Snakes.
Sent from my SGH-T999
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Nice job Ax! Wish I was as handy as you. I took shop class in high school to try to broaden my horizons, I was scared of most of the saws lol. I like the locking lids, I'll probably get some like that. Rather be safe than sorry. I don't want any babies getting out, then going under the door and getting jumped by my cats >.<.
I put construction paper on all four sides when before I just had three. Hoping that will help them feel more secure. Even though they keep crawling up the tank to peep out -.-....lol.
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
Nice job Ax! Wish I was as handy as you. I took shop class in high school to try to broaden my horizons, I was scared of most of the saws lol. I like the locking lids, I'll probably get some like that. Rather be safe than sorry. I don't want any babies getting out, then going under the door and getting jumped by my cats >.<.
I put construction paper on all four sides when before I just had three. Hoping that will help them feel more secure. Even though they keep crawling up the tank to peep out -.-....lol.
haha yeah. i feel my man points go up every time i use power tools. :D
http://i.imgur.com/qK50dgMl.jpg
But these were we're just basic straight cuts. i didn't do any fancy miter cuts, bevels, etc.
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ax01
haha yeah. i feel my man points go up every time i use power tools. :D
http://i.imgur.com/qK50dgMl.jpg
But these were we're just basic straight cuts. i didn't do any fancy miter cuts, bevels, etc.
Oh crap. This whole time I have thought you were a woman :oops::oops::oops::oops::oops:. Not that it makes any difference anyways though lol.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
Oh crap. This whole time I have thought you were a woman
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
:oops::oops::oops::oops::oops:. Not that it makes any difference anyways though lol.
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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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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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
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.
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)
Quote:
Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril
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.
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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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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freakie_frog
So I guess with black, or any dark tubs, hides are unnecessary?
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
So I guess with black, or any dark tubs, hides are unnecessary?
Nope and I've had bad feeders that turned in to great feeders with the black tubs.
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freakie_frog
Nope and I've had bad feeders that turned in to great feeders with the black tubs.
That's great! Hopefully I can find some dark colored tubs with snap lock lids.
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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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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
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.
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.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
That's great! Hopefully I can find some dark colored tubs with snap lock lids.
Saw some 32 qt ones for Halloween at dollar general
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightwolfsnow
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.
what kinda connectors did u buy. the ones that u crimp or solder?
i bought like a 15 foot long extension cord and cut it down to size to use on each strip of the heat tape and connected them to run parallel. (if u connect multiple strips, make sure each one is the same size to keep the wattage uniform.)
on the other hand, alotta people also just use 1 long strip of heat tape and loop them through each shelf of the rack. that way there's only 1 connection point for wiring.
have fun building! post pix! :)
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Re: Switching From Tanks to a Rack System
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ax01
what kinda connectors did u buy. the ones that u crimp or solder?
i bought like a 15 foot long extension cord and cut it down to size to use on each strip of the heat tape and connected them to run parallel. (if u connect multiple strips, make sure each one is the same size to keep the wattage uniform.)
on the other hand, alotta people also just use 1 long strip of heat tape and loop them through each shelf of the rack. that way there's only 1 connection point for wiring.
have fun building! post pix! :)
Its the crimping kind.
I didn't think about looping it through the rack. We're going to have one cord for each shelf, connect those to a power strip, and the power strip to the t-stat.
I made a thread for it.
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