How to build a Rack

Well, I know i want more snakes and I can't exactly have several tanks laying around. That takes up too much space, so I've decided its time I start building a rack. Even though I only have one snake, its nice to have the room if I get a second. (and third, and fourth, and so on.)

I plan on keeping just corns for now. Maybe a kingsnake too. Is there a good sized tub that would be fitting for corns and kings? That way I can fit them in the same rack.

If someone could provide a supply list and building directions, or a site that provides them, I would be very happy!

(Again, this rack needs to be able to house several corns and possibly a king. I'll be purchasing a thermostat within the next month. A Johnson I believe and flexwatt. Directions on how to set that up would also be appreciated.)

You can find lots of information on building racks by searching the caging forum. In the end, Melamine is heavy and not that cheap. You might be better off buying a plastic rack for just a few bucks more. Keep in mind if you build your own you need to buy all the wood but also the flexwatt (and wire it) and the tubs. Good luck!

Here are two racks that I use for ball pythons. If the tubs are not exactly the size you want, you can alter them a little to fit the tubs that you decide to go with. Here is the link.
http://www.baileyreptiles.com/diy.html

I'm thinking of just purchasing a rack system from reptilebasics.com

Which rack would you suggest for adult corn snakes and adult king snakes?

Build your own and use the money you saved for more snakes.

I can try. I have no access to large power tools like table saws or anything like that. I'm just a college student living in my grandparent's basement. My grandfather does have those big tools but he'd never let me use them, especially if he knew I was building a snake rack.

I'll look through the forum and see if I can find building plans for a cornsnake rack.

A drill and circular saw are the only tools I used to build my racks.


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...Picture002.jpg

This entire rack took me at the most 3 or 4 hours to build including putting in heat tape. It uses melamine, 2x4's, and 1x2's for wood and various 1.5"-2.5" screws.

I don't need one THAT big. I need one that will house maybe four snakes. When I have my own place, a rack like that will be wonderful, but not at this time.

You cant go wrong with a rack from Rich at RBI!

I'm looking at those and there is one problem. The tubs have no lids. Is there any chance that my cats could pull one of those tubs out? Or are there any locking pins or such that can be used to ensure my cats don't make breakfast out of my reptiles?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

I'm looking at those and there is one problem. The tubs have no lids. Is there any chance that my cats could pull one of those tubs out? Or are there any locking pins or such that can be used to ensure my cats don't make breakfast out of my reptiles?

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Each level has locking pins to keep the tubs from sliding out when you dont want them to. No worries!

*wipes sweat from brow* Thank goodness. I might get one of these then, in the next month or so. Maybe a birthday present to myself. :)

I'm looking at this one.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...cat=251&page=1

I'll be getting a thermostat soon anyway for leopard geckos. Can that same thermostat be used for this rack? Or should I get another one?

I would buy the sweaterbox rack from reptile basics..(I've bought 3 racks from them in the past 2 weeks and LOVE every one of them.)

RB can hook you up with a helix also....

You don't need to make it that big, it is just a suggestion. There is a 1/8" gap between the tubs and the next shelf so I don't think that is a problem even for hatchling kings and corns. If you are worried about your cat, you can also put some sort of those latches like those that hold pictures in frames and it would not allow the tub to slide out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

*wipes sweat from brow* Thank goodness. I might get one of these then, in the next month or so. Maybe a birthday present to myself. :)

I'm looking at this one.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...cat=251&page=1

I'll be getting a thermostat soon anyway for leopard geckos. Can that same thermostat be used for this rack? Or should I get another one?

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I just ordered 3 of those last night. You can use the same thermostat on multiple heating source if they are:

1. The same type and wattage (example: two pieces of 3" Flexwatt or two 150 watt bulbs)

2. For animals that have the same heat requirements

Hope this helps!

I'll just get two thermostats. That way there is no worry. I made my wish list today of all the snakes I want to have and looks like I'll need a few of these racks. Not now though. :D But I told my fiance about my wish list and all he could say was "oh no" hahaha.