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*Building questions*

Okeetee_Corn_Snakes

Okeetee_Corn_Snakes

=O)
Hmm...I have been checking around the site for the past while to learn how to make my own rack but I still have some questions. I want to keep my snakes in something close to 40-50 quart tubs something maybe to hold 6-10 of these tubs. (will make more later when breeding starts) I know I need a heat tape of some sort but other than that I am useless =P I have a few questions.

1) Is it alright to use walmart Sterilite tubs? And when they are in the rack with the snakes in them do you just close the lids tight? Will that keep them in there?

2) Is there a special wood to use to put the heat tape on? Will the heat tape effect the plastic tubs?

3) Do you guys usually put a screen in the tub lid or are ventilation holes better? (I would assume so because of nose rubbing) Whats the best way to put ventilation holes in the tubs?

4) Will the need any lighting? electricians tape is all you use to put up the heat tape?

....wait..I think thats about it for now! Anyways thanks ahead of time for the replies guys. I want to make sure my snakes have the best.
 
Okeetee_Corn_Snakes said:
1) Is it alright to use walmart Sterilite tubs? And when they are in the rack with the snakes in them do you just close the lids tight? Will that keep them in there?
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I use Sterlite shoeboxes from WalMart for my hatchlings and as feeding bins. Sterlite is fine for a rack system.
2) Is there a special wood to use to put the heat tape on? Will the heat tape effect the plastic tubs?
Click to expand...
No special wood. Some people use pegboard, some use rigid insulation. Take your pick. The heat tape, if regulated, won't bother the tubs. Just keep the temp within a normal range of 70F to 90F.
3) Do you guys usually put a screen in the tub lid or are ventilation holes better?
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Most rack systems have the shelving spaced so that the tub fits tightly against the shelf above it, and no other lid or screen is needed. In those cases, holes are drilled in the sides of the bins, just below the top. If you are not spacing your shelving that way, the original lids will fit better than any screen you could create, so use them.
Whats the best way to put ventilation holes in the tubs?
Click to expand...
Some people use a woodburning tool or a soldering iron. I use a drill with a 1/8" bit.

4) Will the need any lighting? electricians tape is all you use to put up the heat tape?
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Lighting is for your benefit, so you can see the snakes. The snakes don't need the lighting. No, electricians tape will not hold. Buy metal tape, the kind designed to tape sections of duct together. Do not use duct tape: it has many uses, but none of them have much to do with ducts (go figure).
 
Holy smokers! Thanks a lot! =O Muchly appreciated! I want to get started with an easier system to keep my snakes. Since I am going to end up with a lot more especially next spring! I think the non corn species will stay in their glass Vivs though! Anyways thanks again!


...When you said that some keepers make racks where the tub fits tightly against the shelf above do you mean that there is no lid and the tub just slides out to reveal a drawer like set up? Cause thats cool and obviously needs precise measuring lol!
 
Okeetee_Corn_Snakes said:
...When you said that some keepers make racks where the tub fits tightly against the shelf above do you mean that there is no lid and the tub just slides out to reveal a drawer like set up? Cause thats cool and obviously needs precise measuring lol!
Click to expand...
It's pretty easy, no measuring required: attach the two sides to the bottom shelf. Set the bin on the shelf. Set the next shelf right on top of the bin, then attach it to the sides. This works for any size bins :)
 
Built my bigger one in 2 days (had limited time to work on them as I have kids), my smaller one only took a few hours (plus paint dry time of course)

It's not that hard.

I like to use the lids however & I have holes in the tubs for ventilation.

I use heat rope in a grove routed into the wood.

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