Should I buy rack system or cages?

[UpInTheAir]

Which should I go with . . . a 322D cage from the boaphile or the RhinoRaxx
5 drawer using sterilite 1756 tubs? Right now I just have one 9mo. old male
ball python. The rack would allow me to grow my collection with ease, but the
cage seems nicer for viewing. Ambient room temps no lower than 68-70 in winter. Seems like rack system would be easier to maintain temps/humidity.

Dimensions of cage: 36"l x 24"d x 17.5"h
Dimensions of tubs: 23 1/8"l x 16"w x 6 3/8"h

Would the tubs in that rack be enough space for an adult bp?

Price for the cage with heat and lighting is only slightly less than the rack
system with built in heat.

2 things: I want my snake(s) to be as healthy as possible
I may get more snakes in the future

Thanks in advance!!!!

[Rorschach]

Sounds more or less you are leaning towards the rack. You should consider building one as it will more than likely cost you a lot less money....

I personally like this tutorial, but there are MANY out there in the DIY section of this site

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=97598

[Kaorte]

If you are going to get more snakes, go with the rack. While display cages are nice, they aren't really that great for ball pythons because ball pythons spend 90% of their time hiding anyway. Display cages are better for more active snakes and snakes that need more room.

I have a feeling if you get the cage, you will just end up switching to a rack once you get more snakes

I got a nice tank for my first snake and moved to a tub 2 months later.

[Wh00h0069]

If you are going to house ball pythons, a rack is your best option, IMO. Just an FYI, racks are not hard to make, and there are some very good DIY guides on this site.

[Skiploder]

Your ambient is too low for a rack.

[UpInTheAir]

Skip says my ambient is too low for a rack.
What is the lowest ambient that will work?

I can crank up the heat to 72 or whatever in the winter if that would allow
me the flexibility of going with a rack system.

[Adam Chandler]

Personally I would recommend the sweater box or CB-70 rack from ReptileBasics. With the sweater box rack you can choose between back or belly Flexwatt(heat tape). I keep all my BPs in RB racks and they all seem happy/healthy(eat and shed in one piece)
If you have any questions about your ambient temperature being too low for the racks I would recommend calling Rich, the guy who runs ReptileBasics. He is extremely helpful and I am sure would give you an honest opinion on if his racks are right for you.
Here is a link to his rack FAQ: http://www.reptilebasics.com/rack-faq.html

[bsash]

You know, I am just getting back into ball pythons, and I currently have a cage. Not that cages arn't nice (they are great for looking at) but I am now building a rack because I am getting more ball pythons, and I don't want a bunch of cages as they take up too much room.

[Skiploder]

Skip says my ambient is too low for a rack.
What is the lowest ambient that will work?

I can crank up the heat to 72 or whatever in the winter if that would allow
me the flexibility of going with a rack system.

A rack will not heat the ambient air in the tub. It will provide a hot spot.

My snake room is at 75 degrees. The ambient temp in my rack, even with a 90 degree hotspot, does not exceed 77 degrees.