multiple species rack system

[LuvDux]

I just got my first rack system and I'd like to fill it up with more snakes. It's a 10 spot rack with 28 quart tubs. Right now I have 2 western hognose, a ball python, and a sand boa. The temperature is at 85. The hogs and boa are on Eco Earth, the ball is on cyprus mulch. What other species can fit in 28 quart tubs? (I have at 6 spots open but I'm looking to get another sand boa and maybe a female ball) I'm open to all suggestions.

[KORBIN5895]

I didn't realize they all had the same temperature requirements. I seriously need to look into other species more.

[LuvDux]

I looked up the requirements for each species and every place said between this temp and this temp. I set it at 85 because that temp fell within the high temp boundaries for each one.

[beardeds4life]

If you are willing to do lizards you could do a leopard gecko colony in one.

[LuvDux]

I tried getting into geckos but it didn't work out. I like my snakes better lol

[EmbraceCalamity]

I'm curious because I don't know anything about rack systems: The whole thing is set at 85? How's the temp gradient set up?

~Maggot

[Lankyrob]

Do people with racks really have one thermostat controlling all the drawers? So one failure kills multiple animals? Seems irresponsible to me.

[LuvDux]

I'm curious because I don't know anything about rack systems: The whole thing is set at 85? How's the temp gradient set up?

~Maggot

The flexwatt is set so that the inside of the tub is at 85. The area where the tub is over the tape is the warm area, the rest is at room temp. Good ventilation helps keep the heat from being trapped inside. It's just like using an UTH.

[LuvDux]

Do people with racks really have one thermostat controlling all the drawers? So one failure kills multiple animals? Seems irresponsible to me.


I think that was an unnecessary comment. I never said anything about the thermostats and my original post was asking others what species they keep in 28 quart tubs. Also, I don't think if the thermostat were to fail all the animals would immediately keel over and die.

[rmfsnakes32]

Any young snake that requires heat can work. I personally would turn the heat up a few degrees

[LuvDux]

I'd like to get species that won't grow out of the tubs. I wouldn't mind getting all hogs (love them!) but I'm also interested in other snakes.

[Lankyrob]

I think that was an unnecessary comment. I never said anything about the thermostats and my original post was asking others what species they keep in 28 quart tubs. Also, I don't think if the thermostat were to fail all the animals would immediately keel over and die.

How often do you check your 'stat and the temps in your tubs?

[LuvDux]

I check the temps every day with a digital thermometer

[KORBIN5895]

I check the temps every day with a digital thermometer

This shames me. I haven't checked the temps in any of my enclosures in months.

[LuvDux]

Any suggestions?

[beardeds4life]

what about rosy boas?

[Calihusker]

Dwarf Boas, maybe?

[Aaron_S]

Any suggestions?

Do your own homework.

Granted, from the "homework" you've done thus far it's rather poor. Your ball python and possibly your sand boa could easily develop an RI due to your lower heat to accommodate the hognose.

Personally, I keep both my sand boas and ball pythons with a hot spot of 96 degrees. You could get away with 90 - 93 degrees for them if you're uncomfortable at 96.

[Calihusker]

I think as long as you had a thermostat for each species, MAYBE being able to get away with sharing for ones with almost exactly the same temperature requirements you would be fine.

But that's just me.

[KORBIN5895]

I think as long as you had a thermostat for each species, MAYBE being able to get away with sharing for ones with almost exactly the same temperature requirements you would be fine.

But that's just me.

She would also need individual heat sources for each thermostat.

[DeesBalls]

Ball pythons and sand boas don't need the same temps... if anything you need to bump up the flex watt to maybe 93 for the bp's.I say 92 Because recommended hot spot is 90-02 and heat will be lost through the tubs... as for ksb's don't the need hot like 95+? (Not sure been over 2 years since I had one.)

A adult female ball python won't fit into a 28qt tub...

And I have my rack on 1 t stat for 12 snakes...all tubs are at 91 degrees exact. I check daily with digital thermometer and temp gun.

[Calihusker]

She would also need individual heat sources for each thermostat.

If you're using flexwatt heat tape all you have to do is throw down individual strips and wire them to individual thermostats. Correct? :smug:

[KORBIN5895]

Yes but each strip would be considered an individual heat source.

[Calihusker]

Yes but each strip would be considered an individual heat source.

In that case then, yes, you're right about that.

[Sophia'sSophia]

Watersnakes! They aren't aquatic, fit your size parameter, low temperature requirements.
Look 'em up (the aggressive stereotype doesn't hold true for most!), might enjoy one.

[Pareeeee]

I keep my BP at 93-96. Those temps are way too low.