Sterilite tub.

[gozetec02]

I am wanting to build a rack system based off of Sterilites underbed storage box. The box has about 5.5 square feet worth of floor space which should be perfect for an adult ball python but its only 6" tall. I know that they appreciate floor space more but would it be ok.

My thinking is that if the top is closer to them they would feel more secure and feel like they are hiding 24/7 which is a good thing.

But i want to be able to have 8 cubbies to hold either one 1996 model storage box or 2 model 1756 boxes. They both have they same height dimensions.

I plan on heating it with human heating pads. One pad per level. If i have the large tub then the pad would heat it on one side. If i were using 2 tubs then i would position the pad to where each tub would share half the pad. I think it would be cool.

Let me know what you think.

[Marla]

Sounds like a plan, but bear this in mind: sharing a heat pad between two tubs, depending on the exact shape of the tubs, frequently will result in 3"-4" of heating pad sitting between tubs instead of under one.

[gozetec02]

I know or I could put one under each but it would cover most of the floor so i need to split it.

[gozetec02]

Oh and just off the top of your head how thick is a human heating pad.

[Marla]

Top of my head, 1/8"-1/4" depending on brand, but they could easily be outside those dimensions. My point of that was really more that you might want to get extra big ones for any that will be shared, and/or try to find way to prevent heat loss.

[gozetec02]

I will probibly use some heat pads or some heat tape.

[gozetec02]

Here is the front.


Here is the back.


Here is a rendering of what it should look like. It has 6 cubbie holes for the tubs. It can either hold 6 of the large underbed storage boxes shown in yellow and 12 of the smaller boxes shown in blue. I plan on using either Flexwatt heat tape or some heat pads. The tubs will fit in the cubbies with the lid still attached.

At Home Depot they sell precut MDF that is 24"x48" in 3/4" and 1/2" thickness. The two ends and the top and bottom shelf will be 3/4" along with a piece in the back to provide some support so the rack will stay square. Each shelf will be made of 1/2" MDF. I will paint the entire rack black so it will hold heat well and it will be nice and dark inside. Or would it be better to use a hard wood like aspen. I can get aspen sheets too. The mdf will last longer though and once i paint it it will be sealed.

Maybe this should be in the caging forum.

If you have any comments or any advice please let me know.

[Marla]

Looks good. I think the heat tape is a good idea if you can swing it, and you can run it all off one thermostat then. Moved as requested.