question on tubs

[Daigga]

So I'm looking at building a new rack that allows for multiple sizes of snakes but focused on hatchlings and juveniles. My issue now is that sterilite has made all the sizes I need in a uniform (if not very rounded) height except the 6 qt shoebox size, which is a full inch shorter. The kind I've been using for my adult rack and the kind Im planning on using here are the plain kind with the white lids that snap into place. The biggest issue I'm trying to avoid is breakouts and I need to know if this simple lid style combined with an inch of clearance is enough to allow it with hatchlings?

If all else fails, I'm pretty sure I can just keep hatchlings in the 12 qt size box, right? Also, my local Walmart only carries the 28 and 41 qt sizes in the short tubs, are the 28s a good size for adult males, or should I keep looking for the 32s?

[vangarret2000]

Do you put lids on all you tubs in a rack or were just planning to do it for the smaller ones because of the gap?

If you are building it yourself then you can just construct it so there is no gap. Have a thicker piece of wood (or whatever the material is) over those tubs, or add a little extra material to the top of each to delete the gap, or just construct it with smaller opening for those tubs, build a lip at the front to block the gap, etc. Many ways do it. It's one of the benefits of building yourself. You build it to suit your needs.

[200xth]

If all else fails, I'm pretty sure I can just keep hatchlings in the 12 qt size box, right?
...
are the 28s a good size for adult males

Yes to both. You can keep hatchlings in 12qt tubs and 28qt is a good size for adult males.

[Daigga]

I was only planning on doing it for the gap. It was going to be a bigger problem until I realized all the tubs I planned on using were the same height except the ones. My purpose with this rack was going to be utility and I wanted the freedom to put any size snake I might have into it. Luckily a trip to Lowes found me some nice 3/4 inch sheets of styrofoam that should make for the perfect inserts to use over the hatchling tubs (score!). They do only come in packs of 6 4 foot long pieces, which is a lot, but beggars and choosers and what have you. Styrofoam to be placed over the lidded tubs, not just the tub with the snake in it and no lid.

My original question still stands about the size of tubs needed for the hatchlings and adult males.

Yes to both. You can keep hatchlings in 12qt tubs and 28qt is a good size for adult males.

Edit: thank you! that makes this a little easier.

Another question, this time about heating; I had planned on using 3 or 4 inch flexwatt on the back end of the shelf for under-tub heating, will it matter that the larger tubs for adults will be technically sideways? Like, the long end of the tub being heated instead of the shorter end? I am open to heating suggestions on this. I'm going to scribble down my design for reference here.

[C2tcardin]

I know just what you're describing, mine are the same way. My solution was to use the lids, on the 6q tubs, on the top shelf of my rack I have a short piece of heat tape closer to the front so I don't have to push the small tub all the way in to the back to get on the heat tape that is there for a 28q tub. The shorter heat tape is on a separate input on my Herpastat 4, this way when not in use I can disable that tape till I need to use the slot again for 6q tubs. If this makes no sense I can grab a picture later if you like?