Regarding boxes, you should always compare the actual floor area rather than the listed dimensions. Some boxes taper more than others so a bigger box can actually have less floor area.



So take a tape measure or rely on us here to provide you with actual floor areas.



The height is a non-issue, IMO. Ball Pythons really seem to enjoy coiling up at the back of these racks such that they're touching two sides of a corner and the floor AND the ceiling. When I used to keep BP's and had them in racks they'd often not use supplied hide boxes, preferring to wedge themselves in the back corner.



So any of the recommended boxes are going to be tall enough and probably even preferred by BP's.



If you're absolutely paranoid about heat you can always use individual Ultra-Therm heat pads under each of your boxes. This will be more expensive but easier to install and probably provide you greater piece of mind. A very safe way to provide under-floor heating in my opinion.



The racks with guides still leave a gap. In some cases the gap is bigger than what is provided by a typical melamine or plywood rack. If you want to build yourself I recommend you stay away from this design. You can try something like this later when you get to the point you enjoy building as much as you enjoy the snakes.



The spacers set the exact distance between any two shelves.



Let's say your box is 6 inches tall *EXACTLY* with the lid off. If you want the gap between the top of the box and the upper shelf to be 1/8", then your spacers will be 6 and 1/8".



But like I said before, an adult BP can have a larger gap than 1/8".



Does that help?



We are obviously talking about two different boxes. The Iris CB-110 is much, much larger than the Sterilite 32 qt. In fact it's significantly larger than any of the other boxes mentioned in this thread.



The floor area of the 32 qt. Sterilite box is 20" x 14". The Iris CB-110 is 36" x 17.5". So the CB-110 is 2.25 times larger than the Sterilite.



I think you're relying too much on the perspective provided by pictures or have your boxes confused.



Like I said, decide on a box and how many boxes you want a rack to hold. From their we can help you decide on the best way to have your wood cut as to get the most from your money.



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That tub looks pretty big to me. . .Is it tall enough though, I know balls aren't arboral but I, well I don't know. I like the space in those tubs though. Something tells me once I figure out what kind of tubs or size of tubs I want to use the rest is going to be easier up untill I try to kill myself with electricity and heating tape/wire and trying to set it up. What kind of tubs are those Micheal? Sterile but do they have a name or should I just walk around with a tape measure and read dimentions on the tubs?

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I've seen that design with glideslides to make each tub slide on so there's no gap on top of each tub, each tub slides easily and smoothly. Where they heck do I find those and I'm afraid that's more gadgets I'd have to figure out how to make work. I'm still staring at the photos of spacers and telling myself how if I read it one more time I might actually understand the concept. By spacers they mean the space underneath each tub? Or do they mean the space beside tub so they all fit on the shelf comfortably? I've seen those 110 tubs, aren't they too small though? I want my poor snakes to have room to move around in. I like the 32q size Sterile tubs, but I'm unsure as to the dimensions there actual floor space. Does anyone have adult bps in these size tubs. I swear I saw Boaphilics with blanket boxes or sweater boxes that looked rather tall-er then the 110 reptitubs and looked like they had a larger floor space.



Thanks for the advice on the cabinet materials and cutting I think as soon as I have some sort of dimentions and know how much material I'll be using that's where I'll head, right after I buy the tubs. I can't cut things, I borrowed my neighbor's (I don't even know what it's called!) big circle blade saw thing that cut all my plywood.



One thing is for certain I'm terribly excited, and I notice a pattern I like carpentry as a hobby. I hope that doesn't make me the wierdiest female. Shhh don't tell my husband though.

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