Reptile & Amphibian Forums

any advice from forum regarding ordering a rack system----have 10 yearling b.p.'s---any good experiences/recommendations----thanks-- brian

Build your own. You'll save a ton of money, and you can design it to your specific needs. I just completed one of my own that is outstanding. I keep my 10 ball pythons in it. The design is based upon the rack described in Markus Jayne's web site. Here is the address:

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

I made a few changes by extending the sides of the rack to the front as I house it in a room that is not temperature controlled . I also put a hinged door on the front with solar screening to provide more security for the snakes. I also put the flex watt on a helix rather than a rheostat, but a rheostat would be fine. I used sterilite tubs that cost me $6.99 each at Target and are 35" long, 5.5" high (w/o lid), and 16" wide. The temperature gradient is perfect. The back of each enclosure is 88-92F, the middle is in the mid 80's, and the front is high 78-82F. These temps exist with the room temperature at mid to low 70's. Expect cost of entire unit (tubs and all) to be no more than $250.

great info. !! ---thank you---------BRIAN

i went to the website-- nicely done----i saw the parts list----but how did you learn about the heating?(flex-watt/misc. parts needed)------Brian

Within the second paragraph of the page Mr. Jayne wrote:

"To provide a basking spot heat, I ran 11 inch heat tape vertically down the back that is attached to a dimmer switch."

You can get the "heat tape" (i.e. 11" flex watt) at The Bean Farm (www.beanfarm.com). You may also acquire "dimmer switches" (i.e. rheostats) at the same place.

https://secure.ioncart.net/beanfarm/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=2

I also recommend that you add a sheet of 1/2" polystyrene insulation to the back of the rack.

Also, get an infrared non-contact thermometer if you're going to be keeping multiple reptiles... also at the bean farm for $30.

https://secure.ioncart.net/beanfarm/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=6&cat=Thermometers and Hydrometers

sounds good---i'm familiar with "bean farm"----------i think my only obstacle will be with running the heat and getting a uniform heat to all 5 tubs---thanks for your patience-Brian

Can you give details on the door on your rack (it sounds like something I might do)? How is the rack ventilated for fresh air, etc?