Would it be pointless for only two snakes

[catzeye21138]

I'm tired of my tank. I really want to try this rack thing out, with flexwatt I think it is called? It sounds easier than my tank.

My question is, would it be pointless to make a rack type of thing for only two snakes? I only have one snake right now but well... you never know. I hate to say that I may get one in the future, but I like to at the same time.

I like the idea of just pulling out a plastic bin and being able to reach in and just get the snake. Just pull out the bin, grab the snake, push bin back. I love it. And I've heard its much easier to keep temp and humidity right too.

A problem is, I'm pretty young. I'd deffinetly need tons of help from my dad. And I don't really get the whole wiring the flexwatt tape stuff and how to know if the stats are right, it is all so confusing.

Does keeping the water dish right above the flexwatt really keep the humidity right? I am confused on how to keep it steady! Mine is all over the place right now. I use a spray bottle and I just make sure it is at or above the recommended humid.

Last question, where do I get flexwatt? I heard it is cheap and effective!


Thanks sooo much!

[Shelby]

Sounds like you're pretty set on building your own rack (which is cool, I wish I were handy like that) but you could also consider buying one ready made with flexwatt and everything. I have racks from Nature's Spirit Reptiles that are perfect size for adult BPs and they only have three slots.

As for humidity.. it's much easier to keep it up in tubs than in tanks. I don't like putting the water bowl over the heat since warmer water grows bacteria quicker. You should be able to keep the humidity in a good range in the rack much easier.

Flexwatt isn't hard to wire.. but you can buy it already wired too. I get mine from here: http://www.reptilebasics.com/

[catzeye21138]

Thanks for the link! I have to figure out what sizes to make my tubs now, and how exactly to use flexwatt. My dad is pretty handy with electrical stuff. Together we could figure it out I'm sure.
You said I could get some premade racks online? I'm sure three tubs would be fine. Even if I don't use one or two of them. It would be a whole lot easier then making my own. So if I got them over the internet with flexwatt wired and everything, all I'd have to do is install my thermomiter, hygrometer and thermostat? Sweet!

[wolfy-hound]

Ha! You totally beat me. I was going to point out that Nature's Spirit makes the three slot rack. It's ready right out of the box, get it, and a thermostat. Plug in, add substrate and snake.
You can drill/melt holes in the box to lower humidity, or not make the holes to hold in more of the moisure. Just having the water dish in mine makes it almost perfect humidity for Ball pythons.
That's just my $0.02, your results may vary.

[catzeye21138]

I could not find this three slot rack you guys are talking about. All I could find was a four slot rack with sweater tubs...

Edit: And my snake is an '07 so I won't be needing a sweater tub for quite some time. The other snake, I don't know the age of. We found it in a box on the side of the road, and it didn't grow for a very long time. It is about the length of my arm. It still isn't growing fast though.

[catzeye21138]

I found the three slot thing, only when I ordered it by price. $200. yipes. I don't have that type of money. I guess I'll have to just start figuring out how to make my own. It may be up to 6 months though. My dad isn't too keen on this bin idea. His dream cage is a 50 gal aquarium with an entire side made of water, then the other side just rocks. I have no idea why. This site has really helped though. *sigh* I'll have to get a job just to afford a better thermostat. (I couldn't edit my post- sorry!)

[littleindiangirl]

I found the three slot thing, only when I ordered it by price. $200. yipes. I don't have that type of money. I guess I'll have to just start figuring out how to make my own. It may be up to 6 months though. My dad isn't too keen on this bin idea. His dream cage is a 50 gal aquarium with an entire side made of water, then the other side just rocks. I have no idea why. This site has really helped though. *sigh* I'll have to get a job just to afford a better thermostat. (I couldn't edit my post- sorry!)

It sounds like your dad would be better off with a different species of snake or lizard for a large display like that. Bp's are so shy, the could become easily stressed with a large display. And like you said, it's tough enough already keeping the temps and humidity straight. Imagine that in a 50 gallon. Also, BP's are nocturnal, you should not see it roaming through out the day. That would be a lot of work for an animal that doesn't even come out till late at night. Remember, the more stuff you put in with your enclosure, the more you have to clean and disinfect regularly!

I'm recommending you tell your dad to pick up this book
the art of keeping snakes.
It is dedicated to the description's of the active substrate system, and he also tells what snakes make the best display snakes. He goes over ball pythons, and does say they aren't the best because they hide so much. But arboreal, semi-arboreal, water snakes, and diurnal snakes are highly recommended.

Check it out, I have read on this site lately about parents that think they know best, when really they are misinformed, and it's the snakes that will potentially suffer.

[frankykeno]

You could get something like this. It retails for $26.86 at Walmart, it would easily hold tubs or tanks depending on size, plus room for supplies and other stuff. Might be a nice and very cost efficient option for you. It won't give you all the benefits of a rack but it could be a good alternative for your needs.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2123448

You can order pre-wired flexwatt and so forth from Rich at www.reptilebasics.com Flexwatt is a very efficient and safe heating option plus it's easy on your budget.

[catzeye21138]

You could get something like this. It retails for $26.86 at Walmart, it would easily hold tubs or tanks depending on size, plus room for supplies and other stuff. Might be a nice and very cost efficient option for you. It won't give you all the benefits of a rack but it could be a good alternative for your needs.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2123448

You can order pre-wired flexwatt and so forth from Rich at www.reptilebasics.com Flexwatt is a very efficient and safe heating option plus it's easy on your budget.

I like the look of that shelving too, I might have to use lids on my bins though. They may not fit as easily. But that would be fine with me. No lamps are good lamps!

littleindiangirl: Thanks for the book reference, I'll be sure to tell my dad about it. He used to own boas and he thinks a ball python is the same snake in a different body.

Edit: I found like the same thing except it is black with a light oak finish and two dollars cheaper. =]

[Shelby]

You would definitely need to use lids with the shelving unit Jo posted.. that will allow you to stack tubs, therefore saving space, but you still need lids.