Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering what is the cheapest way to build a ball python rack?????. Thanks Scott Glover

How about thinking of the animals and build it the BEST way? Of which, there are MANY ways. A 10-bin BP rack can be built for under $50, not including the bins.

Thanks, I thought it would have been around 200.00-300.00 to build a rack. do you have directions to build the rack. Thanks Scott Glover

Here Scott, I built this in an hour.. They work just as good as any..

Are you using plywood?? and would it be ok to put a sheet of aluminum one each self so the heat tape does not get scratched up??. Thanks Again Scott Glover

Hello,

I just wanted to point out that for some reason, when using heat tape, there is a slight buzzing sound made when aluminum is in close proximity to the tape. I don't know why, but check it out for yourself.

Take care,
Glenn

The reason for the buzzing is electro magnetic induction. The magnetic field around the heat tape creates an electric current in the aluminum. The aluminum can also act as a capacitor. In some circumstances it can actually give you a good shock. If you use aluminum around heat tape I would recommend grounding it to prevent shock.

Wayne

What else can I use in stead of aluminum, so the heat tape does not get scratched up. Thanks Scott Glover

I don't know what else you could use. I have always used aluminum tape purchased at the home improvement store. It is normally used for Duct work.

Wayne

This rack cost me around 200 bucks! it has twn 27 qt boxes in it! email me for the plans!

Paul
HTDesigns

the tall rack slim rack was 200 bucks the rat rack was 35 and the adult ball rack w/4 41 qt boxes and the 24 hatchling boxes was 300 bucks! give or tak some!

Paul

And each setup is different and will have a different "best method" to do it. Check out Mark Mandic's how-to on his website (www.ballpython.ca). That will get you started. After that, you can see the concept, and then tailor-make your own to suit YOUR needs.

Keep us updated.

Thanks Again For Both Of Your Help.and I will keep you updated to. Thanks Again Scott Glover

Just make sure you DO NOT skimp on the thermostat. Very important. Stay away from dimmer switches. I've heard too many stories of baked Ball Pythons.

Again, that's: Thermostat...Skimp...DO NOT!

Good Luck,
Chris
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“Next time don't buy $10K worth of snakes out of the back of a van!” -- Toshamc

What thermostat can I use for the rack??. Thanks Scott Glover

There are lots of thermostats to choose from -- Big Apple Proportional, Helix, Ranco, Herpstat, etc.

I think the Big Apple and the Herpstat are the most common "proportional" thermostats available. (Proportional means it supplies differing amounts of juice depending on how much heat you need...as opposed to just on/off.)

I'm currently using the Big Apple Proportional Thermostat and it works fine. However, I jonesing to try out the Herpstat by Spyder Robotics. =)

Chris
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“Next time don't buy $10K worth of snakes out of the back of a van!” -- Toshamc

"I'm currently using the Big Apple Proportional Thermostat and it works fine. However, I jonesing to try out the Herpstat by Spyder Robotics. =)"

Hey Chris i am trying one out on my incubator this year.
So far i have been able to keep the temp within 00.1 degree.
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Charles Glaspie

We picked up 6 pieces of Melamine and a box of screws for about $175 @ home depot, it took my husband about 4 days to put together 3 racks and a hatchling rack. The cost for the rack itself was next to nothing, the expensive part was the thermostats, heat tape, accoutrements and tubs. The heat tape is inset into the selves so there isn't any rub and I've got extra just I need to replace it.
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Tosha

8.15.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
1.0.0 Angolan Python
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.3 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer