Homemade rack - advice and comments?

[OTorresUSMC]

I do have 2 identical heat mats for my adults, those would be the ones I'd be putting on the thermostat together. They have identical setups as well, so they should run pretty close to the same temp. The question was for the OP, but you answered it just as well so thank you ^_^

Yea i think as long as ones not say high up in the air while the other is way low like with mine you should have no problems. I was curious if maybe the variance could have been because they werent getting consitent power from the thermostat but i doubt it. In any event cant hurt to try just make sure you have a thermometer for each hot hide or a temp gun so you can measure both.

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[lawnchaircrisis]

First of all, you are totally right about the problems of escapes with these tubs as I woke up to a ball python next to my bed the other night.... I temporarily solved the problem by putting a textbook on each tub lid. Not ideal or aesthetically pleasing, but it works.

I definitely like your setup better, it looks a lot nicer and it looks like there's more room to provide climbing branches and more hides. While that would be my ideal scenario, I'm a full-time PhD student that can't afford a nice setup. Mine was pretty much the cheapest tub system I could make while still having it be safe, consistent and also portable/easily taken apart for moving.

So far they've been in there since Sunday and the thermostat is working great, temperatures and humidity are consistent with a warmer and a cooler side. The snakes seem really happy and ate flawlessly. So other than the minor escape issue, I don't have any complaints. In fact it's working so well I'm almost tempted to get another snake or two...

I do have 2 identical heat mats for my adults, those would be the ones I'd be putting on the thermostat together. They have identical setups as well, so they should run pretty close to the same temp. The question was for the OP, but you answered it just as well so thank you ^_^

To answer the question, I have all three heat mats (same brand, same size) all plugged into one multi plug unit, which is then plugged into the thermostat. The probe is between the heat mat and one of the tubs. I have a thermometer in each tub and the temperature is roughly the same (within a degree or two) in all three tubs. It's not perfect, because the thermostat is only using the temperature of one tub to regulate all three, but it seems to be working.

[bcr229]

If money is so tight that you can't afford a commercial rack - even one purchased used locally - then I would hold off on getting more snakes until you have an emergency fund set aside for vet bills.

[lawnchaircrisis]

If money is so tight that you can't afford a commercial rack - even one purchased used locally - then I would hold off on getting more snakes until you have an emergency fund set aside for vet bills.

I was kidding - I'm not getting more snakes. I was looking regularly on both craigslist for both used racks and thermostats for over a year and have yet to find any, hence me having to make my own.

Also I never said I didn't have an emergency fund for vet bills. I do, but that doesn't mean I want to spend it on a rack system.

[mdb730]

First of all, you are totally right about the problems of escapes with these tubs as I woke up to a ball python next to my bed the other night.... I temporarily solved the problem by putting a textbook on each tub lid. .

Pickup some luggage straps to prevent further escapes and you should be fine.

[OTorresUSMC]

I definitely like your setup better, it looks a lot nicer and it looks like there's more room to provide climbing branches and more hides. While that would be my ideal scenario, I'm a full-time PhD student that can't afford a nice setup. Mine was pretty much the cheapest tub system I could make while still having it be safe, consistent and also portable/easily taken apart for moving.

I hear you there i spent more on that setup than i would have liked but the bulk of the cost was for building the plexiglass tanks myself. The actual unit wasnt too expensive. If i had gone with tubs i could have saved myself quite a bit but,,,i hate tubs hahaha. I just dont like with a tub that its not a completely clear view inside. As far as the escapes since your rack is adjustable and has the holes for shelf placement perhaps you could fit some type of 1/4 inch sheeting (all kinds of affordable types available) right above the tubs instead of their actual lids. That should prevent the escapes. In any event Id say a nice heavy book is a more than adequate solution😆 and lets not even talk about more snakes. I have two now, working on purchase of a third and want four by years end. Im addicted

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[OTorresUSMC]

I was kidding - I'm not getting more snakes. I was looking regularly on both craigslist for both used racks and thermostats for over a year and have yet to find any, hence me having to make my own.

Also I never said I didn't have an emergency fund for vet bills. I do, but that doesn't mean I want to spend it on a rack system.

Dont you love when people provide advice thats not asked for LOL ill buy as many snakes as i damn well please would have been my response hahaha

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[lawnchaircrisis]

Those are both awesome good ideas and should prevent my escapee problem in the future

It's a really nice setup, how did you make it? I can totally understand why you'd be against tubs, I hate not being able to see them. They're so pretty that being able to watch them is half the fun! I had them in glass tanks before, which was great for visibility and looked nice, but keeping the temperature and humidity up was brutal. I had so many issues keeping them warm enough, and then they would never eat and it was a whole big issue.

I've always dreamed of having a reptile room like this one below, but I think it's going to take me a while to get there.

[lawnchaircrisis]

Dont you love when people provide advice thats not asked for LOL ill buy as many snakes as i damn well please would have been my response hahaha
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I don't know you, but I like you already!

[OTorresUSMC]

Those are both awesome good ideas and should prevent my escapee problem in the future

It's a really nice setup, how did you make it? I can totally understand why you'd be against tubs, I hate not being able to see them. They're so pretty that being able to watch them is half the fun! I had them in glass tanks before, which was great for visibility and looked nice, but keeping the temperature and humidity up was brutal. I had so many issues keeping them warm enough, and then they would never eat and it was a whole big issue.

I've always dreamed of having a reptile room like this one below, but I think it's going to take me a while to get there.

O M G I have a new dream room! Here i thought i was all fancy because my snakes have their own room in the house. That thing is sick. Oh to be rich. I built my shelf just out of 3/4 BC plywood. One sheet made the top, bottom, sides, and one shelf i think then a 2nd sheet for the back. If i was smart i would have just used like a 1/4 inch on the back and saved some cash but even with two sheets thats only $60. The shelves are BC ply as well with 16"drawer slides on them. Then just had to measure so there was enough room at the tops for tanks to slide out but not let the snakes escape. One issue im having now tho the shelves are bowing a bit in the center and they rub against the tank thats below. Dont know if its from the humidity or the weight. Im gonna try one new shelf stained with a waterproofing deck stain and see what happens. If i still get bowing i will just sand down the tops of the tanks to match. Its all of an 1/8th of an inch maybe.

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