Starting with a rack set up?

[Steezy B]

Hey everyone, I've been wanting to get a ball python for a few years now, and my mom is finally okay with it. I've been doing quite a bit of research over the past 2 months and I've noticed most people on the forums use a rack set up. I'm looking to get 1, or maybe 2 BP's to start off with. Would it be worth it to build a rack system, now or wait til I have a few more snakes. I'm leaning towards a rack set up, because it will be cheaper to start off in a rack, than to have 2 enclosures with heat mats and separate thermostats. Thoughts?

Thanks

[CptJack]

I wouldn't bother building a rack for two., unless you're really sure that you're going to have more. They can be space saving, though so if that's a consideration getting something set up would still be worth it.

And I don't use separate thermostats on my two tubs. I have the thermostat plugged into the wall and a powerbar plugged into the T-stat with the mats plugged into it. As long as the mats or heat tape are exactly the same that works fine.

[Ridinandreptiles]

For now, I'd just use tubs and plug them into the same thermostat as posted above. I didn't build my first rack until I had over 10 snakes... I stacked tubs for a long time.

[Marrissa]

lol Yes get a rack! You know you're going to get more than just two. Just keep in mind that when you use racks or tubs, you have to heat the room for ambient temp as well as a hot spot (or just have the whole room heated to around 85 and you don't need a hotspot). If you can't heat the room an animal plastic T8 divided in half is a good way to go for two snakes. I have two of those with radiant heat panels on either side of the divider.

[Steezy B]

I'm pretty sure I'll want more. My cousin has a few so ive been around them, and theyre amazing! I read that the heat mats can run at different temps so each should have its own probe/thermostat

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[Tigerhawk]

Don't Kidd yourself. Two will turn into ten. And you have someone close by with the same interest. Yes go ahead and build a rack. You will be glad you did. Welcome to the addiction. I come to the forum for therapy almost everyday and I still cannot stop collecting B.P.'s

[Steezy B]

lol Yes get a rack! You know you're going to get more than just two. Just keep in mind that when you use racks or tubs, you have to heat the room for ambient temp as well as a hot spot (or just have the whole room heated to around 85 and you don't need a hotspot). If you can't heat the room an animal plastic T8 divided in half is a good way to go for two snakes. I have two of those with radiant heat panels on either side of the divider.

Why would I need to heat the room as well?

[bcr229]

Why would I need to heat the room as well?

Temperature in the cool side of the tub will be essentially the same as the room. So, for us folks who get cold winters, that means keeping the rack in a room with the door closed and a space heater running so the room stays around 75*F while the rest of the house can be an energy-saving 65*F.

Another vote for rack, I went from one BP to a rack-full in just over a year.

[Steezy B]

I live in southern california so I dont think that will be an issue. If it does ill just turn on the heater

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[CptJack]

Yeah. The only other real alternative is to use two heatmats and t-stats on each enclosure so the 'cool' side is also warm enough. Space heater and a closed door is easier. That said, I am far enough south that I pretty much anticipate turning the heatmats off all together in another month or two.