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I want to start my hobby again and invest on a rack system. I do plan on buying bigger cages but that's down the line. My question is, what size tubs should I start with? I have an idea but would love to hear your suggestions. I don't want to start too small because then I would have to keep buying bigger and bigger. For example, would a 23×16×6(32qt) or a 33×17×6(41qt) be good to start? I'm planning on housing ball pythons as well as boas around medium sized or a tad smaller. Thanks in advance.
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
32 qt. Would be fine for BPs for most of their life. Boas would definitely need bigger tubs. It all just depends on how fast you plan on getting enclosures . -
Re: Suggestions for rack system?
41qt would be fine for boas and most pythons. Its should be good for 6 to 8 months but then you will need proper enclosures..sigpicJrock23Comment
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
I made this 4 foot wide rack system so it would have a lots of air flow around it and it's on wheel so you can move it around when you need to. I used a wire shelving system and the Sterilite 15 qt. tub # 1754 for baby boas and the Sterilite 74 qt. tub # 1969 for sub adults and boas about 6 feet long and less than 12 to 15 lbs. The 1754 tub measures 17 inches x 11 inches x 6 - 3/8 inches and the 1969 tub measures 44 inches x 19 - 3/4 inches x 6 - 3/8 inches. I also used 4 inch flexwatt along the back of each shelf to heat the tubs.
The heat tape is mounted on 1/4 inch masonite with aluminum tape. The electrical wires are solder, silicone caulk and electrical taped in place on the flexwatt. So there is no wires or flexwatt tape touching the metal rack. This way there is no way for you or the snakes to get shocked. The masonite also helps the tubs slide out easer when you want to open them.
Set up like this picture cost me about $350 with 4 inch X 44 inch flexwatt on each shelf. I had to buy 2 wire shelving set ups to make this one. The shelving cost around $80.00 each at Sam's club. I got the tubs from Target.
Take care
Tom
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
Thanks for the replies. Would it be too much if I go with a 41qt but with two hides?Comment
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
I run all of my BP's in 41-qt racks once they hit about 600 grams, below that they're either in hatchling racks or 15-qt racks. They're fine as long as they have appropriate-sized hides and clutter so they feel secure.
While many people don't bother giving their adult BP's a hide, even my biggest adults get one hide along with a water bowl. I've noticed that they move the hide around themselves - on feeding day I'll put it over the heat after they eat, then after a few days they will slowly push it up toward the front of the rack. The only ones who don't get a hide are gravid females after they've ovulated, as they tend to want to stretch out more. After laying I give them one hide again, and they use it.Comment
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
Thanks!! I'm going with 32 or 41qt. If I do go with 41, I'll just put multiple hides and other things. Your suggestions are much appreciated.Comment
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Re: Suggestions for rack system?
Looks great! I was going to go for the same type of set-up but 24" in width instead. Do you have any pictures of how your set up the heat tape? Or maybe you could explain it a little more so I can picture it! Thanks so much!Comment
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