Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, I've decided it's time to seriously consider building a rack. Just have a few basic questions. Mainly, what size tubs should I use for adult (breeder) colubrids (mainly corns and rats)?? I've considered the same rack mentioned in the post below, but the boxes seem way too small for breeders. But, it would be ideal for juveniles. The main reason I ask is because I can get a fairly good deal on tubs with those same dimensions, so I'm thinking about doing a split, with some small and some larger tubs. But what is the next step up?? Also, is it safe to mount flexwatt directly to the shelves (under the boxes)?? Or should I stick with the "strip down the back" method?? Any and all comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-JH

>>the boxes seem way too small for breeders. But, it would be ideal for juveniles.

I believe the boxes in the post below are shoeboxes. You're right, way too small. What size is best depends on your own peace of mind, not what other people have had success with.

If you keep some of the larger ratsnakes you might want to go with a design that offers more versatility. Tomas on this forum has built racks around the 41 qt. sterilites.

The 41 qt. boxes slide in width-wise. Then on any give level you have three options:

1) one 41 qt. box

2) one 28 qt. box and one 12 qt. box

3) three 12 qt. boxes

All of the above boxes are sterilites. You'll need to check and make sure that they all have the same height. Sometime in the last year Sterilite re-designed the 28 qt. box so I'm not sure if his rack is based on the new design or not. I assume they also redesigned the 12 qt. box but I'm not sure.

The 28 qt. size is the typical 22"x16" sweaterbox used by most breeders. If you don't keep any large ratsnake specimens you could probably use just those.

Again, if you have the 28 qts. slide in width-wise you can use two 12 qts. per level and still have versatility.

Regarding heat tape, I'll leave that to others.
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1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

N/P

np
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1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)