Homemade rack - advice and comments?

After struggling to maintain my small collection of ball pythons in a one bedroom apartment for over a year, I finally decided to switch to a rack-type system. Tubs are heated using heat mats for belly heat connected to a thermostat, and I'm using a light layer of eco-earth as substrate. There's still a few little changes I need to make, such as adding more hides (right now I'm using cardboard boxes and tupperware)

Currently, I only have 3 bps, so I only am using "half" the rack and 3 tubs. The rest of the rack and tubs are in my closet for when my collection expands.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...%2F2hdba8l.jpg

I wanted to get some opinions and suggestions! Criticism is welcomed, but please keep it at least somewhat constructive.

I think it's pretty awesome. I'm getting ready to do something very similar. I plan on enclosing the back and sides to retain heat a little better. Maybe make the back cover removable. I though about hinging one side so I could swing it open to be able to access the heat tape easier. Very cool and I bet it was really cheap to put together. Nice work!!

Looks good. I did something similar with a storage rack and some heat tape, but with one more level and a tank on top. I've noticed that it's easier to keep the tank warm up there, since extra heat from the rest of the rack rises. Still, racks are definitely the way to go imo.

Thanks! I like the idea of adding back and sides to try and retain more heat. Maybe I could have Lowes/Home Depot cut some plywood at the right sizes to screw into the sides and back.

I used a premade shelving unit which allows me to easily change the spacing between levels, add more shelves or disassemble it completely when I move, which adds convenience but also made it a bit more expensive. Right now it has 4 shelves, but I have the pieces so I could easily add another two shelves/levels to it.

Lift up on each lid in the middle of the long side. If it rises more than an inch you will have escapees to deal with.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Lift up on each lid in the middle of the long side. If it rises more than an inch you will have escapees to deal with.

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My exact thought. Unless you secure the lids they will escape.

Here is the one i just built. Your set up is A OK Im just not a fan of tubs. Takes away the asthetic aspect completely. And all my shelves slide out for easy access while acting as the lid for the shelf below.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...a047f4b366.jpg

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Do you have your heat mats plugged into a power strip, and then the thermostat? I was wondering if that works well, I'm thinking of doing it myself when I get my next snake in, at least until I get an actual rack with heat tape and a better thermostat. I currently have 2 of the one you're using, one for each snake I have so far. I was hoping I'd be able to put 2 on one and then use the other for my newest snake I'm getting soon, since I have a different sized heat mat for her since she's smaller.

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Originally Posted by Meerna

Do you have your heat mats plugged into a power strip, and then the thermostat? I was wondering if that works well, I'm thinking of doing it myself when I get my next snake in, at least until I get an actual rack with heat tape and a better thermostat. I currently have 2 of the one you're using, one for each snake I have so far. I was hoping I'd be able to put 2 on one and then use the other for my newest snake I'm getting soon, since I have a different sized heat mat for her since she's smaller.

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Not sure if you were asking me this or the OP soooo if it wasnt me sorry haha. Funny story with this. So each tank actually has its own thermostat right now. You just cant see the other one because its on the side. But when i first put this set up together i did plug both pad into a strip and then into one thermostat. Which for the record can be done yes. The thermostats handle up to 1000 watts. HOWEVER i had them both on one for one night and what i found was there was like a 4 degree variance between the two pads. Now this may have been because currently each pad is on a different set up (plexi vs regular glass) also the plexi is the top while the glass is on bottom and the base on my plexi tank is all flush with the shelf where as the glass one has gaps where heat escapes. So basically yes you can run more than one heat pad on the same thermostat with a power strip but i think you will want to make sure everything is identical. I plan on using one thermostat for the top two tanks and another for the bottom two once they are all full. Unless i upgrade to a high quality herpstat in which case i will just put all four on the one thermostat

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I do have 2 identical heat mats for my adults, those would be the ones I'd be putting on the thermostat together. They have identical setups as well, so they should run pretty close to the same temp. The question was for the OP, but you answered it just as well so thank you ^_^

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Originally Posted by Meerna

I do have 2 identical heat mats for my adults, those would be the ones I'd be putting on the thermostat together. They have identical setups as well, so they should run pretty close to the same temp. The question was for the OP, but you answered it just as well so thank you ^_^

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Yea i think as long as ones not say high up in the air while the other is way low like with mine you should have no problems. I was curious if maybe the variance could have been because they werent getting consitent power from the thermostat but i doubt it. In any event cant hurt to try just make sure you have a thermometer for each hot hide or a temp gun so you can measure both.

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First of all, you are totally right about the problems of escapes with these tubs as I woke up to a ball python next to my bed the other night.... I temporarily solved the problem by putting a textbook on each tub lid. Not ideal or aesthetically pleasing, but it works.

I definitely like your setup better, it looks a lot nicer and it looks like there's more room to provide climbing branches and more hides. While that would be my ideal scenario, I'm a full-time PhD student that can't afford a nice setup. Mine was pretty much the cheapest tub system I could make while still having it be safe, consistent and also portable/easily taken apart for moving.

So far they've been in there since Sunday and the thermostat is working great, temperatures and humidity are consistent with a warmer and a cooler side. The snakes seem really happy and ate flawlessly. So other than the minor escape issue, I don't have any complaints. In fact it's working so well I'm almost tempted to get another snake or two...

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Originally Posted by Meerna

I do have 2 identical heat mats for my adults, those would be the ones I'd be putting on the thermostat together. They have identical setups as well, so they should run pretty close to the same temp. The question was for the OP, but you answered it just as well so thank you ^_^

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To answer the question, I have all three heat mats (same brand, same size) all plugged into one multi plug unit, which is then plugged into the thermostat. The probe is between the heat mat and one of the tubs. I have a thermometer in each tub and the temperature is roughly the same (within a degree or two) in all three tubs. It's not perfect, because the thermostat is only using the temperature of one tub to regulate all three, but it seems to be working.

If money is so tight that you can't afford a commercial rack - even one purchased used locally - then I would hold off on getting more snakes until you have an emergency fund set aside for vet bills.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If money is so tight that you can't afford a commercial rack - even one purchased used locally - then I would hold off on getting more snakes until you have an emergency fund set aside for vet bills.

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I was kidding - I'm not getting more snakes. I was looking regularly on both craigslist for both used racks and thermostats for over a year and have yet to find any, hence me having to make my own.

Also I never said I didn't have an emergency fund for vet bills. I do, but that doesn't mean I want to spend it on a rack system.

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Originally Posted by lawnchaircrisis

First of all, you are totally right about the problems of escapes with these tubs as I woke up to a ball python next to my bed the other night.... I temporarily solved the problem by putting a textbook on each tub lid. .

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Pickup some luggage straps to prevent further escapes and you should be fine.

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Originally Posted by lawnchaircrisis

I definitely like your setup better, it looks a lot nicer and it looks like there's more room to provide climbing branches and more hides. While that would be my ideal scenario, I'm a full-time PhD student that can't afford a nice setup. Mine was pretty much the cheapest tub system I could make while still having it be safe, consistent and also portable/easily taken apart for moving.

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I hear you there i spent more on that setup than i would have liked but the bulk of the cost was for building the plexiglass tanks myself. The actual unit wasnt too expensive. If i had gone with tubs i could have saved myself quite a bit but,,,i hate tubs hahaha. I just dont like with a tub that its not a completely clear view inside. As far as the escapes since your rack is adjustable and has the holes for shelf placement perhaps you could fit some type of 1/4 inch sheeting (all kinds of affordable types available) right above the tubs instead of their actual lids. That should prevent the escapes. In any event Id say a nice heavy book is a more than adequate solution😆 and lets not even talk about more snakes. I have two now, working on purchase of a third and want four by years end. Im addicted

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Originally Posted by lawnchaircrisis

I was kidding - I'm not getting more snakes. I was looking regularly on both craigslist for both used racks and thermostats for over a year and have yet to find any, hence me having to make my own.

Also I never said I didn't have an emergency fund for vet bills. I do, but that doesn't mean I want to spend it on a rack system.

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Dont you love when people provide advice thats not asked for LOL ill buy as many snakes as i damn well please would have been my response hahaha

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Those are both awesome good ideas and should prevent my escapee problem in the future :)

It's a really nice setup, how did you make it? I can totally understand why you'd be against tubs, I hate not being able to see them. They're so pretty that being able to watch them is half the fun! I had them in glass tanks before, which was great for visibility and looked nice, but keeping the temperature and humidity up was brutal. I had so many issues keeping them warm enough, and then they would never eat and it was a whole big issue.

I've always dreamed of having a reptile room like this one below, but I think it's going to take me a while to get there.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...d%3D880000500F

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Originally Posted by OTorresUSMC

Dont you love when people provide advice thats not asked for LOL ill buy as many snakes as i damn well please would have been my response hahaha
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I don't know you, but I like you already!

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Originally Posted by lawnchaircrisis

Those are both awesome good ideas and should prevent my escapee problem in the future :)

It's a really nice setup, how did you make it? I can totally understand why you'd be against tubs, I hate not being able to see them. They're so pretty that being able to watch them is half the fun! I had them in glass tanks before, which was great for visibility and looked nice, but keeping the temperature and humidity up was brutal. I had so many issues keeping them warm enough, and then they would never eat and it was a whole big issue.

I've always dreamed of having a reptile room like this one below, but I think it's going to take me a while to get there.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...d%3D880000500F

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O M G I have a new dream room! Here i thought i was all fancy because my snakes have their own room in the house. That thing is sick. Oh to be rich. I built my shelf just out of 3/4 BC plywood. One sheet made the top, bottom, sides, and one shelf i think then a 2nd sheet for the back. If i was smart i would have just used like a 1/4 inch on the back and saved some cash but even with two sheets thats only $60. The shelves are BC ply as well with 16"drawer slides on them. Then just had to measure so there was enough room at the tops for tanks to slide out but not let the snakes escape. One issue im having now tho the shelves are bowing a bit in the center and they rub against the tank thats below. Dont know if its from the humidity or the weight. Im gonna try one new shelf stained with a waterproofing deck stain and see what happens. If i still get bowing i will just sand down the tops of the tanks to match. Its all of an 1/8th of an inch maybe.

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I would try to move the levels closer so there won't be any escapes. Those lids don't lock very well on the sides.

On another note BCR229 didn't mean not to get more snakes she was just making sure you can be a responsible owner and not get more animals than you can take care of. Some people buy animals and have no clue and or the means to care for them.

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Originally Posted by blk02ssmonte

On another note BCR229 didn't mean not to get more snakes she was just making sure you can be a responsible owner and not get more animals than you can take care of. Some people buy animals and have no clue and or the means to care for them.

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I know, which is why I tried to keep my response from being too snarky. It's just frustrating when people act judgy about someone's animal husbandry. Generally speaking, most people generally want what is best for their animals, it's why they seek out advice and opinions on here and share their experiences.

When I first adopted my dog someone told me if I wasn't going to feed him top of the line, grainfree/raw diet than I didn't deserve to have a dog. Not everyone can afford top of the line racks, or science diet dog food, but it is possible to raise healthy, happy and well cared for animals on a budget without sacrificing their quality of life. It just might take a little more time and effort.

Having a pet or pets is a big commitment - both financial and timewise, however for all of us animal lovers, we find a way to make it work :)

I actually have that same type storage shelf that I got from Lowes, though mines 48x72 I think. I cut the top corner things to make it sit lower so I could have the top tank within eye level though.

EDIT:
I thought I edited this to add, but must of not hit save.

Enclosing the sides/back will help raise the ambient temperature, and those lids don't sit very secure so if you're snake pushes up they can potentially escape, so I would figure out a way to make that system more secure.

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Originally Posted by blk02ssmonte

I would try to move the levels closer so there won't be any escapes. Those lids don't lock very well on the sides.

On another note BCR229 didn't mean not to get more snakes she was just making sure you can be a responsible owner and not get more animals than you can take care of. Some people buy animals and have no clue and or the means to care for them.

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The comment she made wasnt really her place to make. That to me is like a holier than thou kind of thing. Some advice people should keep to themselves unless it is sought by the person you are offering it to. My personal opinion

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