Enclosed Racks- do you keep the lids on the tubs?

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I've seen a lot of racks that are very tight fitting and it appears that they dont have lids on the tubs... is this really how it works? or do most people that use racks still put the lid on the tubs?

Im guessing so, because of the air holes, but just wanted to make sure as Im designing my first rack.

[daniel1983]

Most people do not have lids on the tubs....the rack itself serves as the lid. However you can get manufactured racks that have tubs with lids or screens...you can get freedom breeder racks with screens...these are mainly used by hot keepers though.

[daniel1983]

If you are building your own rack out of wood, you do not want to make the tub extreamly snug fitting. I leave around a 1/8" air gap between the tub and the rack level. This allows for settlement of the rack. If you do not leave a gap and make it very snug....pulling the tubs out will get to be a PITA.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

What size do people normally keep in a 12 quart and 27 quart sterilite?

1954 - 12 Quart Storage Box 16 3/8"L x 11 1/2"W x 5 7/8"H

1956 - 27 Quart Storage Box 23"L x 16 3/4"W x 5 7/8"H


I was thinking ~ 30 inch snake max in the first and ~ 40 inch snake max in the second?


For a ball python if the room was kept dark would a 27 quart be ok for a 4' , or would that be a bit cramped?

[xdeus]

For a ball python if the room was kept dark would a 27 quart be ok for a 4' , or would that be a bit cramped?

That's a bit cramped. A 41qt. is normal for a 4+ foot ball.

[Adam_Wysocki]

Lidless systems are much easier to clean, feed, etc.

Plus lids really add another layer of restriction to air flow in and out of the boxes ... fresh air exchange is VERY important.

-adam

[JimiSnakes]

pulling the tubs out will get to be a PITA.

Learned this the hard way!!!

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

Does anyone know if having 3" flexwatt run along the length of a container would provide enough heat gradient to have different temperatures in two sections? i was thinking of a 23x16 tub or a 34x16 tub



Thanks again

[Stings]

i cant help you on that but i do like that design with 3 different sizes

[JLC]

Does anyone know if having 3" flexwatt run along the length of a container would provide enough heat gradient to have different temperatures in two sections? i was thinking of a 23x16 tub or a 34x16 tub



Thanks again

I may be totally off because I've never dealt with a rack of any sort. But I believe there is a serious design flaw here...unless I'm misunderstanding how you intend to set it up.

Are you intending to use ONE piece of flexwatt run across three different tubs of three different sizes? If you have the flexwatt hooked to a t-stat, or whatever instrument you use to control temps, you won't be able to maintain the same temps in each enclosure. The 12qt would heat up a LOT compared to the 41qt. I don't see how you could maintain a consistent, even temp-gradient in each tub with a single heatsource.