First Rack Arrives Tommorow

[Rusty]

I am receiving my Natures Spirit rack tommorow. It's the 3 Hole 41-qt. Sterilite Rack and the Tubs Measure 33 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 5 1/2,the rack weighs 40 pounds. I can't wait to house my BP's in the rack but I have few questions.

1) What products can I use to clean the tubs, water bowls, and hiding spots? how often?

2) In the tubs, how many air holes should I poke to get good air circulation?

3) I want to stop using large waterbowls because my female loves to tip them over. I've had to use them because of the heat bulbs I've used in the past. Can a smaller waterbowl still get the humidity up to 50-60%? I basically don't want to use a waterbowl that she can soak in, just one that will provide a good enough humidity and she can drink out of too.

4) Do you have this particular rack? If you do, what's your set up like and how do you keep all the temps perfect?

Thanks,
Rusty

[jglass38]

I am receiving my Natures Spirit rack tommorow. It's the 3 Hole 41-qt. Sterilite Rack and the Tubs Measure 33 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 5 1/2,the rack weighs 40 pounds. I can't wait to house my BP's in the rack but I have few questions.

1) What products can I use to clean the tubs, water bowls, and hiding spots? how often?

2) In the tubs, how many air holes should I poke to get good air circulation?

3) I want to stop using large waterbowls because my female loves to tip them over. I've had to use them because of the heat bulbs I've used in the past. Can a smaller waterbowl still get the humidity up to 50-60%? I basically don't want to use a waterbowl that she can soak in, just one that will provide a good enough humidity and she can drink out of too.

4) Do you have this particular rack? If you do, what's your set up like and how do you keep all the temps perfect?

Thanks,
Rusty

Congrats on the new rack. I've heard Casey makes some great racks! Once a week or when fouled you should remove all feces/urates from the tub and spray down with Chlorhexidine. Let sit a couple minutes and wipe dry. Chlorhexidine is extremely safe (its used in oral surgeries). You should clean the waterbowl as well or to answer your 3rd question, do what Adam suggests and purchase 4" PVC couplers from home depot and use 16oz deli containers for the water. They fit right inside, wont tip and can be thrown away weekly for the most sanitary conditions possible. I would use a soldering iron (in a ventilated space) to create a row of holes on each side around 1"-2" apart. As far as the rack itself, I have APs which are similar. My snakes have never eaten better than they do since being moved to a dark secure rack environment. Hope this helps!

Jamie

[Rusty]

Great info thanks a lot. Do you know where I could purchase that cleaning product?

[jglass38]

My good pal Matt at MG Reptiles. www.mgreptiles.com . Excellent prices and he'll get it to you quickly. Its Chlorhexidine. In a pinch you could use Wipe Out which is made by Zoo Med. Its a green liquid. I dont love it because its way more harsh than Chlorhexidine. I have used Chlorhexidine to wipe down my snakes that have crawled through their own excrement.

[Rusty]

For the rack I'm going to be using a Johnson T-Stat. Two things I want to know is: What's the best way to tape the probe to the flexwatt? And also, I have a ceiling fan in the room where my BPs will be housed, is it a good idea to turn on this fan and should I leave it on all day?

Thanks again!

[jglass38]

I tape the probe to the flexwatt in the center tub. I'm not sure if Casey puts the flexwatt in a groove of some sort but if he doesnt you will need to tape it off to the side of the tubs. As far as a ceiling fan, I always ran mine in my last snake room. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not though.

[frankykeno]

Just melt the holes bit by bit. Easier to have a few and add more than have to worry about having done way too many I figure. Tubs take time to settle and stabilize so it may take you a few days to hit on the sweet spot.

[kavmon]

in addition to the above, i would leave the fan on low 24/7. this will help to spread out the heat /humidity in the room and give some ventilation to the room. you may want a small space heater to keep the room area in the upper 70's at least, essentially in a rack your cool side will be around a deg. or two of your room temp.


vaughn

[jglass38]

in addition to the above, i would leave the fan on low 24/7. this will help to spread out the heat /humidity in the room and give some ventilation to the room. you may want a small space heater to keep the room area in the upper 70's at least, essentially in a rack your cool side will be around a deg. or two of your room temp.


vaughn

I knew there was a reason I left the fan on 24/7! My new snake room is perfect. I cant believe how its always at 82-84 with no problem. No exterior windows have been a lifesaver

[SatanicIntention]

Get your chlorhexidine from www.valleyvet.com . It will save you some needed money