Racks vs Terrariums

[snakesRkewl]

I switched from tanks to tubs my first year after fighting with humidity issues, temperature issues, and space issues.
Even if I went back to 1 ball python as a pet it would stay in a tub.

[barbie.dragon]

I switched from tanks to tubs my first year after fighting with humidity issues, temperature issues, and space issues.
Even if I went back to 1 ball python as a pet it would stay in a tub.

Oh god I've had a tank for a little shy of a month and it's a nightmare... Rewetting towels every night, lifting the screen to pull my snake out zzz

[kitedemon]

I have two tanks (side turned) three enclosures and a 5 slot rack. Lots of experience with all of them.

I find the enclosures easiest to clean then the tank and last the rack. disinfecting the rack (properly, according to the instructions on the disinfectant) is a nightmare. I have yet to find an efficient way to clean the rack if someone who says it is easier knows PLEASE let me know.

Heating I find to be about the same, my rack is in a cool room so it was a pain but the enclosures can be too. In a warm room (racks do best this way) neither is a pain both are dead easy.

Humidity I find also is about the same, it is common knowledge that low ventilation can lead to respiratory issues (same as sick building syndrome) so if a rack is holding a huge amount of humidity over the room I would be concerned about it not having enough.

Space is hands down the rack uses much less space. The big problem with that is having a modest group (11) I have sizes from 400gm to 5000gm. Kept solely in racks that means I would need three.

Temperature precision is way easier in an enclosure racks run on averages temps top to bottom vary the long runs of flexwatt vary. In my enclosures I have very good control over both hot and cool as well as ambient temps and can adjust one with out massive changes to the others (within reason) my rack is set up the same way but the best I can manage is 2º of each other and ambients I have some control over but not much I could not easily alter them (not in a heated room remember)

I have seen the 2x perimeter and other formulas like 1x the permitter. I use my version I use 100 sq inches of floor space per foot. IE a 5 foot snake would need at least 500 sq in about a 24x24 (576) enclosure, or a 41 qt tub (544).

I would not say racks are easier just different, nor are enclosures easier just different. Each method has its own issues and solutions it all comes down to the care knowledge and ability of the person setting up the housing.