Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

dazzlah · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:33 am Post subject: advice for racking

Hi,

I've finally managed to persuade the other half into increasing the Ball collection! At the moment I've a 2 tier wooden Viv which takes up a huge amount of space! I've attached a pic of the space I have to play with (space from the cupboard upwards) It's located in the alcove of my bedroom. I'm thinking 4 or 5 - 50 ltr really useful tubs , these tubs would have a shelf each and would have to go on the shelves sideways (longest side front facing), each one would have a heat mat (under the tub) at one end - these would be controlled by a pulse thermostat. I'm only increasing the collection to about 5 balls but think I may like to play around with breeding in a few years. So space for sibling's might be needed as well. I'm slightly worried about going from ceramics bulbs to heat mats... bearing in mind this space is in my bedroom where sometimes the windows are open at night etc. Any comments or suggestions about this set up would be great.
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2.3 Ball Pythons
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Scott W · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:44 am Post subject:

As you only plan on 5 or so snakes, I'd be tempted on using the larger Ikea Komplement tub. As for heat, the good thing about the racking being made out of wood is that it holds the heat in very well. Just so long as there are no drafts you should be fine with heat pads on thermostats.
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dazzlah · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:59 pm Post subject:

Shame, the larger Ikea Komplement tubs are 100cm by 58cm..... Their not going to fit! Confused

I'll have to stick with the 50ltr Really useful's! I'll post pics when its set up. Cheers for your help Scott.
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Graphic design genius (print & web)
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2.3 Ball Pythons
(1.1 norms, 1.2 high contrast albino's)

garysumpter · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 07 Apr 2006 Posts: 914

I would suggest you use komplement boxes. Turn the unit round 90 degrees, wont stick out too much.

I'm in Kent too and have a rack with the Komplement boxes. Send me a PM if yoy want to come take a look.

Gary
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mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

hi
my komplement rack made from wood is only 99cm wide in total.
the actual boxes are only 93cm in total.
if you made the rack to fit the boxes exactly you could have ir 96.5cm in total. i have 3 cm spare space in the rack.
hope helps
thanks
mike
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dazzlah · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:26 am Post subject:

Thanks for that, Think a trip to Ikea is needed!.... Ok... so I put the shelving up so the boxes fit snugly between them without the lids! didn't think of that! I know many breeders do this but I've always been a bit dubious about royals escaping!

Can you see through the boxes? cant tell by the pics on the Ikea site!

Cheers Very Happy

D.
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Graphic design genius (print & web)
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2.3 Ball Pythons
(1.1 norms, 1.2 high contrast albino's)

mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

basically you are building a big bookcase. I have left a few mill for ventilation(see pics)
I put polystyrene on each shelf and tape it, then tape the heatmat to the poly. 17 x 11 heatmats.
one important point is use a strong support to screw from bottom to top to each shelf at the back to stop them sagging. I used a metal shelf bracket that was lying around. It would be better if you used 2 going up parrallel.
It is better to have the bottom box as storage for all bits and pieces. It will insulate the rest of the rack, not really see through though if you search racks on forum some of scotts have clear plastic fitted.
Hows that done scott???

mike
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Scott W · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 1:59 pm Post subject:

mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

thanks scott

it would be nice to see them occasionally without opening the box.
One could fix a little curtain, if it upset them!

mike
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dazzlah · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:

LOL... not sure about the curtain... would be nice to see them though! Even if its just a small letterbox sized window, i'll buy a tub and have a play around with it - I know Balls are shy anyway so those frosted type tubs would be perfect.

Cheers.

D.
_________________
Graphic design genius (print & web)
-----------------------------------------------

2.3 Ball Pythons
(1.1 norms, 1.2 high contrast albino's)