Rack for long term pet Ball Pythons

[BCS]

I remember the first time I moved to a rack system. I had 6 ball pythons by that time. I built two 5 tub racks so they only stand 4ft tall. It also gave me the opportunity to buy 4 more snakes. I still have room for one more and plan to fill it at the expo on the 2nd of May

You can use decor in your tubs all you want. I do for my most shyest snakes (there is only two but whatever works). Ball pythons seem to like cramped spaces. As long as they have room to move around they should be happy.

When I first started to use my racks I was surprised how much easier they are. Humidity is easier to keep up, and I have not had one shedding issue since. Heat actually stays in the tubs. Cleaning is so easy. The tubs basically weigh nothing so taking them for a hot shower is a cinch and I know some snakes can create huge messes.

I know I would read and watch videos with people placing snakes in these dark, small tubs and I used to think it was unfair for the snakes. But now that I have tried it, the snakes seem just as happy and I am happier.

Either way works, yes but I have to say the rack system is great.

[bcr229]

I know I would read and watch videos with people placing snakes in these dark, small tubs and I used to think it was unfair for the snakes. But now that I have tried it, the snakes seem just as happy and I am happier.

This. In the wild ball pythons live underground in termite mounds during the day and they come out at night to hunt. They like small, dark, humid places and stress out if given too much open space and light.

[Farmer Maggot]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

[Eric Alan]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

Heat tape won't do much for the ambient temp of the rack - maybe a degree or two, but that's about it. When there's a big as of a difference between the room temp and your goal ambient temp (which should be around 80), what you really need is an alternative way to raise ambient temps when using a rack system. Personally, I have a oil filled heater hooked up to a thermostat to keep the snake room's ambient temp from falling below 78.

[Daigga]

Wow... Thank you all for responding. Question...

I have a nice aquarium setup for my snakes (I probably should post pics), but control the temp of the tanks with heating lamps. I am confused as to what seems to be a complete different setup from aquarium to rack system - namely, no heat lamp. Can heat tape really control the temp of the racks, making lamp heat unnecessary?

Note: I have my snakes in my office, which acclimates around 65 deg most of the time. This doesn't seem to be an issue for my snakes, thanks to the lamps.

Appreciate your insights...

FM

Ambient temps are the only enemy in a rack system. I keep my snakes in a room I heat independently so it isn't that huge a deal, but otherwise you're giving your snakes a 65 degree environment with a hotspot that they'll rarely leave. Another option you could consider would be a stackable set of cages . Racks are nice for breeding purposes, but if you're looking for a nice display system I think a stack might be more to your taste.

Boaphile has a lot of options and it was fairly easy for me to navigate their site for examples, but nearly every other cage maker is going to have a stackable model for you to look at.
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/fatt-staxxs.html
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/cage_packages.html

Animal plastics for comparison.
http://www.apcages.com/home/

[Farmer Maggot]

Ambient temps are the only enemy in a rack system. I keep my snakes in a room I heat independently so it isn't that huge a deal, but otherwise you're giving your snakes a 65 degree environment with a hotspot that they'll rarely leave. Another option you could consider would be a stackable set of cages . Racks are nice for breeding purposes, but if you're looking for a nice display system I think a stack might be more to your taste.

This is what I have been looking for, thank you. At this point, we do not have a room for such a rack system, however I believe this will change in the future. Also, appreciate the links - very helpful.

Let me ask this...

I have researched and think I have my answer, but want to ask here to make sure. I use a lamp to heat my tanks - not for day night separation. I have read mixed reviews on this. Some suggest different bulbs for day and night, which leads to having two lamps in the cage. I have not done this. I use one bulb that stays on all the time. The day and night separation comes as a result of the light in my room and our handling the snakes throughout the day.

Should I change this approach? Should I have a day bulb and night bulb or simply continue using the lamp as a heat source to acclimate the tank? I know there are different kinds of bulbs, some that focus on spreading light and some that provide heat. Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated!!

Appreciate all the answers, I know I am dragging on this thread.

FM

[Eric Alan]

This is what I have been looking for, thank you. At this point, we do not have a room for such a rack system, however I believe this will change in the future. Also, appreciate the links - very helpful.

Let me ask this...

I have researched and think I have my answer, but want to ask here to make sure. I use a lamp to heat my tanks - not for day night separation. I have read mixed reviews on this. Some suggest different bulbs for day and night, which leads to having two lamps in the cage. I have not done this. I use one bulb that stays on all the time. The day and night separation comes as a result of the light in my room and our handling the snakes throughout the day.

Should I change this approach? Should I have a day bulb and night bulb or simply continue using the lamp as a heat source to acclimate the tank? I know there are different kinds of bulbs, some that focus on spreading light and some that provide heat. Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated!!

Appreciate all the answers, I know I am dragging on this thread.

FM

I wouldn't worry about changing it.

[Daigga]

This is what I have been looking for, thank you. At this point, we do not have a room for such a rack system, however I believe this will change in the future. Also, appreciate the links - very helpful.

Let me ask this...

I have researched and think I have my answer, but want to ask here to make sure. I use a lamp to heat my tanks - not for day night separation. I have read mixed reviews on this. Some suggest different bulbs for day and night, which leads to having two lamps in the cage. I have not done this. I use one bulb that stays on all the time. The day and night separation comes as a result of the light in my room and our handling the snakes throughout the day.

Should I change this approach? Should I have a day bulb and night bulb or simply continue using the lamp as a heat source to acclimate the tank? I know there are different kinds of bulbs, some that focus on spreading light and some that provide heat. Any advice on this will be greatly appreciated!!

Appreciate all the answers, I know I am dragging on this thread.

FM

No worries on dragging it on. I've seen people that only use red lights on all the time and people that use day and night bulbs. I have also seen people use RHPs or CHEs (radiant heat panels or ceramic heat emitters) with either no supplemental light at all or an LED strip of colors of their choice that don't emit heat at all. All methods work well enough, as all methods provide a heat source and some give you a fun color option on top of that. I'd post pictures, but I'm having some trouble finding them at the moment.

[Farmer Maggot]

Outstanding!

Everyone has been very helpful!! Appreciate your comments.

I have been a snake enthusiast since I was in high school...many moons ago...and want to pass on this tradition to my children. Both my son and daughter love our snakes. I have been grooming them to receive a Ball Python each to be under their care. In the past, I've only dealt with king snakes, which are not tropical. I realize now that I was not prepared for our venturing into the Ball Python territory. Regardless, it has been quite an adventure and we all love this breed! Their docile nature, size, and color patterns make them a fantastic transition into the snake-owning-world. We are having a blast!

If there are any further suggestions or comments, I am open for both instruction and correction. Feel free to advise.

Again, thank you for your time.

FM