Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need a new rack, the one I have been using for years is history.
Any suggestions on a reliable rack that won't break my bank account?
Insulin is getting expensive for me right now.
Thanks in advance.

If you have the proper equipment, I'd recommend making one, I made a hatchling rack for $40 and it's heated, works great. I am in the process of getting ready to make some adult racks. I think it's a lot cheaper and it gives you something to do.

Just a thought.

Joel

>>I need a new rack, the one I have been using for years is history.
>>Any suggestions on a reliable rack that won't break my bank account?
>>Insulin is getting expensive for me right now.
>>Thanks in advance.
-----
- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

Joel,

do you by chance have instructions or blueprints with what you built. i would love to build one myself since they are so expensive.

Thanks
Shawn

>>Joel,
>>
>>do you by chance have instructions or blueprints with what you built. i would love to build one myself since they are so expensive.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Shawn
-----
- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

My favortite rack systems are the "Slider Racks" by Animal Plastics...

The racks are made of thick black plastic, very sturdy and well made. They also give your herp room that "professional" look and feel without costing an arm and a leg.

Right now I have the 28qt rubbermaid 9 hole racks, the 27 hole shoebox racks, and I'm about to buy some of their "monster" 10 hole ball python racks. One of my favorite things about these racks is that each tub is completely enclosed by the rack, this means your snakes feel secure and they eat like crazy.

On a side note... the entire staff of Animal Plastics has been a pleasure to work with, great customer service.

You should check them out.

Animal Plastics Rack Systems

-----
-Ross Payan - www.LeosAnonymous.com

Leos Anonymous

Ball Pythons, Red Striped Leos, W.Hognose and Screaming AFT's

I have bought from Matrix and Animal Plastics and made my own. Animal Plastics wins for me. I can build a less expensive rack unit, but once you factor time, it's better for me to buy.
-----
Jay A. Martin

Amy, I would agree with building your own. It's much cheaper than any out there on the market, and you can insure yourself that it is built to your quality. You only need simple carpentry skills to do so, and maybe 4 hours of your time.

Thank You Everyone!!!
I appreciate the advice and the links!!!!
New I came to the right place.

I just built a couple racks, adapted from the plans on Marcus Jaynes web site:

http://ballpython.ca/The Rack.htm

I couldn't find the exact tubs he lists, so I purchased Sterilite brand 41 qt tubs ( 34 7/8" X 16 5/8 X 6" I got these for $4.99 at Target. (That was a sale price, reg price is 5.99) so for the ten tubs I paid approx $50.

I went to Lowes and purchased 3 sheets of 4' X 8' Melamine. Get Lowes to cut it for you, it is difficult to cut and REALLY HEAVY!!! (Cut demensions depend on the size tubs you purchase, draw it all out carefully first so you know EXACTLY what to ask for in the cuts) I paid $25 per sheet, and approx $10 in cut fees at Lowes. So thats another approx $80.

I paid approx $3 per foot of heat tape, used 5 feet of it. (Bean Farm I think) I used a regular extension cord for the wiring ( $ .99) I wired in line a household dimmer ( $8) and I plugged that into a thermostat (A-life brand)to regulate max temp of the tape ($35) I put wheels on the bottom, you need them if you want to move it, it is increadibly heavy! ( 4 Heavy duty castors at $4 each) I attatched a cut 2X4 on the bottom of the rack so the castors had something good to screw into ( one 8 foot 2X4 will do, $3) you will need a back board to hold the heat tape on the back, I used cheap 1/4" hardboard it distributes the heat nicely ($ 5)and I used almost an entire box of 1 5/8" wood screws ($5)

So~
Tubs $ 50
Melamine $ 80
Heat tape $ 15
Extension cord $ 1
Dimmer $ 8
Thermostat $ 35
Castors $ 16
2X4 $ 3
Hardboard $ 5
Screws $ 5

I think that was everything I used. So thats $ 218 for a complete heated 10 tub rack large enough for ball pythons.

It was a serious headache to build! It is SERIOUSLY HEAVY!! It was/is MUCH cheaper than purchasing, and I did get it all built in one Saturday. Make sure you leave a small gap between each level to allow the tubs to slide.

I think I saw in the adds that you are in Orange County. I'm in Corona. Drop me an e-mail if you want to drop by and look at the racks I built before you try it.

Good Luck!

Cheryl

Wow, sounds great, I know this wasn't in reply to me, but could you send me some pics please. I would love to see it, as I am about to build some adult BP racks myself.

Thanks.

Joel

>>I just built a couple racks, adapted from the plans on Marcus Jaynes web site:
>>
>>http://ballpython.ca/The Rack.htm
>>
>>I couldn't find the exact tubs he lists, so I purchased Sterilite brand 41 qt tubs ( 34 7/8" X 16 5/8 X 6" I got these for $4.99 at Target. (That was a sale price, reg price is 5.99) so for the ten tubs I paid approx $50.
>>
>>I went to Lowes and purchased 3 sheets of 4' X 8' Melamine. Get Lowes to cut it for you, it is difficult to cut and REALLY HEAVY!!! (Cut demensions depend on the size tubs you purchase, draw it all out carefully first so you know EXACTLY what to ask for in the cuts) I paid $25 per sheet, and approx $10 in cut fees at Lowes. So thats another approx $80.
>>
>>I paid approx $3 per foot of heat tape, used 5 feet of it. (Bean Farm I think) I used a regular extension cord for the wiring ( $ .99) I wired in line a household dimmer ( $8) and I plugged that into a thermostat (A-life brand)to regulate max temp of the tape ($35) I put wheels on the bottom, you need them if you want to move it, it is increadibly heavy! ( 4 Heavy duty castors at $4 each) I attatched a cut 2X4 on the bottom of the rack so the castors had something good to screw into ( one 8 foot 2X4 will do, $3) you will need a back board to hold the heat tape on the back, I used cheap 1/4" hardboard it distributes the heat nicely ($ 5)and I used almost an entire box of 1 5/8" wood screws ($5)
>>
>>So~
>>Tubs $ 50
>>Melamine $ 80
>>Heat tape $ 15
>>Extension cord $ 1
>>Dimmer $ 8
>>Thermostat $ 35
>>Castors $ 16
>>2X4 $ 3
>>Hardboard $ 5
>>Screws $ 5
>>
>>I think that was everything I used. So thats $ 218 for a complete heated 10 tub rack large enough for ball pythons.
>>
>>It was a serious headache to build! It is SERIOUSLY HEAVY!! It was/is MUCH cheaper than purchasing, and I did get it all built in one Saturday. Make sure you leave a small gap between each level to allow the tubs to slide.
>>
>>I think I saw in the adds that you are in Orange County. I'm in Corona. Drop me an e-mail if you want to drop by and look at the racks I built before you try it.
>>
>>Good Luck!
>>
>>Cheryl
-----
- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

I'll try to snap you a couple pics tomarrow. The ones at Marcus Jaynes site are really much better though. I had to re-build mine as I did not leave a large enough gap the first time for the tubs to slide, so mine look a bit messy. I'm pretty disappointed, but not disappointed enough to pay for new melamine, I just cringe when I see the extra screw holes!

I'll try to snap you a couple pics tomarrow.

I know what you mean about the melamine, it's like 25 bucks a sheet here, and it sounded like you got a good amount of it. If it works, why fix it!!

lol

Joel

>>I'll try to snap you a couple pics tomarrow. The ones at Marcus Jaynes site are really much better though. I had to re-build mine as I did not leave a large enough gap the first time for the tubs to slide, so mine look a bit messy. I'm pretty disappointed, but not disappointed enough to pay for new melamine, I just cringe when I see the extra screw holes!
>>
>>I'll try to snap you a couple pics tomarrow.
-----
- Joel Smith

"If you're not part of the solution, you're still part of the problem"

I've been really busy. Sorry. I have not had a chance to get a pic done. I will start a new thread at the top addressed to you when I can.

I use only Jason's Jungle racks for all my Ball Python. His racks are extremely sturdy, and I have not had a problem in the first year I have used them. They keep heat extremely well, and I can keep a perfect gradient from back to front. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a rack.
Thanks,
Jason
Circle City Serpents
Jason's Jungle Racks