Rack on a budget

[Sean Hall]

Ok, I have recycled a sportsman incubator for a small rack system. I removed the incubating trays and replaced with multiple plastic bins. I have it set up now and running. The temp is at 89 degrees and humidity is at 58%. I've put the humidity and temp gauge in each tub and it is even throughout. It is forced air but the air will stay moist and it will constantly pull in fresh air. Being new to this, I was curious if anyone could tell me any problems I may have with this setup. Thanks in advance.

[jjmitchell]

So you are using the incubator to house your snakes? If thats what you are doing you are going to have problems. I mean think about it where is your temperature gradient? no where for a snake to cool off

[Kingofspades]

So you are using the incubator to house your snakes? If thats what you are doing you are going to have problems. I mean think about it where is your temperature gradient? no where for a snake to cool off

I was thinking that too.

[Sean Hall]

So adjusting the temp for daytime and nighttime wouldn't be sufficient? Why would that be a problem?

[Simple Man]

Snakes can't control their own temp since they are cold blooded. They need two temp zones so they can thermoregulate between the two. That's why they need an 80 degree cold side and a 90 degree hot side. If they don't have that they aren't going to be healthy and your animals will get sick and/or die eventually. It is a severe stress when an animal can't regulate itself. Imagine if you were stuck in the heat or cold with no ability to change that. I over simplified this but you get the drift. Ball Pythons do not need a nightdrop. They need two zones all the time.

Regards,

B

[Sean Hall]

Ok, I get it now. Damn it. Back to the drawing board. I guess the heat tape is the best method? How do you make a hot side and a cool side in those little bins?

[MoshBalls]

Ok, I get it now. Damn it. Back to the drawing board. I guess the heat tape is the best method? How do you make a hot side and a cool side in those little bins?

With the heat tape on one side it will heat the tub up where it is while the other side being farther from the heat tape will be closer to the room temp, usually creating the cool side. The only problem would be if your room is always hot, such as you live in Florida with no air conditioning.

If you use belly heat 3 or 4 inch is good running the length of the tub on one side, or 11 inch for back heat. Good luck, and too bad your not close to me we need an incubator. It is our next DIY project.

[RichsBallPythons]

Just so you guys know Keeping snake at constant 89 will not harm them.

BHB, VPI both keep room temps if 88-90 all year but for breeding season. When properly done it wont harm anything.

[Kingofspades]

If you need a cheap rack, pick up one of these for $40 at Home Depot and cut the legs down so they just fit the tubs.



Add heat tape and a thermostat and you're golden.