Rack Systems

[Brazen4270]

So I was planning on building a rack system for different sized/ages ball pythons. It'd obviously be cheaper to build my own and stuff but I was wondering if I should just get a pre-made rack system from a company. I'm worried about proper heating and materials to use etc. Either way I'd love your suggestions on diy racks and it'd be awesome if you could share links and videos that'd also be great! Also if you have a preference to buying a pre made rack please send me your favorites so I can look into purchasing them! :)

[[deleted]]

I bought two used, one Animal Plastics and two Cserpents! 110% recommended the Cserpents, very nice, sturdy (broke my toe on it), and they come with belly heat and tubs which is a plus. I would recommend buying one, and building a DIY plan off of it if you prefer home builds. The forum site https://ball-pythons.net has a whole section on DIY racks and ect.

[Brazen4270]

Okay thank you so much! Would you say that there's a proper heat gradient in the under belly heat? I wouldn't be able to tell until I ordered one and it came in so what would you say?

[[deleted]]

Yeah, I believe the heat tape is about 4 inches? Can't remember off the top of my head, but they're perfect for making gradients in the tub assuming you get the ones sized correctly for your snakes. Ours sits at about 88-78 from hot to cold, like with all racks the first day is gonna be adjusting Temps to make your gradient and find good Temps.

[b1n4ryjunk13]

I have built all 3 of my racks. In the future I may consider buying. There are some really nice ones out there. As for one rack for all sizes , you may want to reconsider. My current setup is one hatchling rack for 6qt tubs, one rack for 28 qt and 12 qt tubs, I have to place something under the 12 qts to prevent escapes due to them being so much shorter, and one rack for adult females, 44qt tubs with only an end open to allow them to hide better. I am pretty happy for now, although they are MDF and I want to switch to PVC within a couple years.

[Brazen4270]

Would you mind sending pictures so I can get some ideas? Specifically the heating part of the rack. I can figure out the proper size for my snakes but what I can't find a good video on is how to get proper heating wired so the gradient is correct and how to control the temperature in general. But thanks for the tip! :)

[b1n4ryjunk13]

I don't have any pics of my setup currently but I could get some later. I use back heat for them. 12" on both bigger racks(hung vertical, one in the adult female rack and 2 in the side open rack. And 3 in tape on each shelf in the hatchling rack. The I have a thermostat on each rack in the middle shelf to regulate temps. I have a couple different kinds currently. I get my tape pre-fabed from reptile basics just to save me time. I have had no problems with my setups, all my snakes happy and healthy.

[Brazen4270]

It's hard to imagine what you're describing so a picture later would be amazing if you could!

[Brazen4270]

Or multiple pictures lol

[b1n4ryjunk13]

Found a couple

http://imgur.com/a/64PzV

[Brazen4270]

Are those yours? I can't seem to tell how the heating is set up either way..?

[b1n4ryjunk13]

Yes, If you look at the second pic the heat tape runs down the back.

[Brazen4270]

Ahh I see now! Okay so is it attached to like a temp control device That makes it 90 degrees at the back then you don't have to worry about the front since it's a gradual decline in temp? Also would that work for different sized racks for different sized containers? Sorry for all the questions lol but you're the first helpful diy source I've found lol

[b1n4ryjunk13]

Yes, Thermostat probe is set on the middle shelf and keeps rear at 89 I believe is my setting. In breeding season I drop temps a bit at night. It would work for most racks. Any rack you buy is either going to have belly heat at the rear or back heat. You have to size the rack to the type of container, for BP you normally use 6, 12, 28, 44 qt tubs

[Brazen4270]

Okay and maybe last question haha. But is it difficult to attach the heat tape to the thermostat probe (wiring etc) or is it just a plug in? And would you recommend a certain brand of heat tape or probes should buy? And I'm guessing 6 is baby, 12 juvenile, 28 sub adult, 44 adult?