Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. Curently I keep all my snakes in all glass enclosures. I am starting to like the idea of racks better and better. What are the benifits of a rack system? Also I have a life time suply of unlaminated particle board "the only benifit of making it for a living" Could I use particle board to build the rack? It is made with several diferent resins and phermaldihyde

What are the benifits of a rack system?

A lot, I don't know where to start. The true benifits are probably aimed more at you the owner than towards the animal itself. Granted its not harmful I just mean its not as good as running wild.

I would say first and for most is space efficiency. I am sure you already noticed the space all those glass enclosures take up. A rack will eliminate all that wasted vertical space not required.

Now if you have aboreal snakes or any species that needs special lighting then a rack is a little harder to justify.

The rack essential brings everything together in a vertical layout rather than linear like in aquarium set up's. This closer grouping make ease of heating cages with one source. Normally heat tape but heat rope and rope lights work equaly well if set up correctly.

Another benifit it is cleaning the cage with a rack set up the tubs are removable for cleaning and having an extra tub allow's the snake to just move to a clean tub rather than go to a holding tub until you clean the primary cage.

Having a rack can simlify breeding by possible being more organized. Having them close together keeps from moving animals all over the room.

There are more benifit's but to each person they will be more specialized other's will respond so I will let them expand or add additional view points. I could write a speech on the topic but who has the time for me racks simplified what was complex before. I will continue to use them as long as I am in the hobby.

Also I have a life time suply of unlaminated particle board "the only benifit of making it for a living" Could I use particle board to build the rack?

Technically you could use anything to build a rack and if you go to the history of this forum you will see what I mean.

First are we talking particle board made with the huge chunks of wood or the smaller grained stuff?

If its the larger stuff its still able to be turned into a rack but laminating it will make it nicer to look at and smooth out the surface. The smaller grained stuff can be laminated to but contact paper or vinal sheeting will do the job nicely. You probably have to use thin melimine, FRP or PVCX for the thick stuff if at all. I'm not saying you have to but its apossibility.

Paint is always a good choice and indoor paint is enough sealant to provide protection against low moisture or humidity. You can get complex but why.

It is made with several diferent resins and phermaldihyde

Unless its fresh most partical board has offgased long enough not to become a problem. Still it is your animal and most particle board has traces of pine which is toxic so I would at minimum paint the rack.

Clay Davenport's website http://www.arbreptiles.com seems to be real popular right now and he has a lot of good info I suggest checking it out. Of course posting additional questions will help you as well.

Good Luck
My 2 Cents
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Jeremy pretty much nailed it. I don't know if he mentioned feeding (5:00 AM is too early to read anything that close) but lidless racks are nice for feeding and checking on stubborn feeders and its easy when you come back and pull uneaten rodents.

But the species does matter like he said.

Another thing to cover your particle board with would be damaged formica or other high pressure laminate. You can get scraps or slightly damaged pieces for CHEAP if you shop around.

>>Jeremy pretty much nailed it. I don't know if he mentioned feeding (5:00 AM is too early to read anything that close) but lidless racks are nice for feeding and checking on stubborn feeders and its easy when you come back and pull uneaten rodents.

Really good point Chris, I knew I missed something. To add I feed all my snakes F/T. In a rack all I do is place it in takes 2 min all 10. 2hrs later check the rack another 2 min. Same operation half hour easy, if the lids were on the tubs. Also checking water or misting tubs will save with lids of the tubs.
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

I would have to say the only thing I would use the rack for would be Corn and or Gopher Snakes, maybe king snakes. We always get large 61X97X3/4" laminated samples sent back to us so it shouldnt be to hard to get some of those. The wood we make is made with small chips of wood. It would be great if I could use that to build a rack because then well the materials will be free LOL Maybe its even best to build my first one out of that so I dont screw up expencive stuff. Afterall I am in no way at home with a saw and hammer LOL

There are several thread right on the first page of this forum that are worth reading then.

Basically, find a box and then design the rack to best utilize material and/or fit with your specific needs.