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Sterelite containers and heating question

howiet4702

howiet4702

Wanted: Jasper Co Okeetee
Quick question for everyone.....

I am looking to use sterelite containers for my hatchlings. I am going to build a rack system in the summer time but I need some short term options to heat the containers now.

Any ideas would be great.

Howard
 
Dand, I think that he is looking for something to use now (he doesn't have the rack built).

Howard, I use a Cobra Heat Mat on all my plastic containers right now. They can be used on plastic, glass and Acrylic. However, these may not be the best option to use when you move to your rack, as they might be damaged while sliding the containers in and out. The Heat tape is the perferred method of heating in your rack. So, if you have the cash to drop now, then you might just go ahead and get it now. You can buy FlexWatt heat tape and all accessories at www.beanfarm.com. The reason I am giving you the idea of the heat mats is incase you don't have the cash for the Heat Tape.
 
That's awesome Paul! I didn't think you could use the cobra mats on the sterlite/plastic containers. Do you use a thermostat to regulate the temps to prevent the plastic from becoming too hot?

Also, what size containers and what size mats do you use? Do you think the mini heat mats are suffice? I am only looking to buy 2 containers and two heat mats for the two new snakes I am getting.

Thanks again....
 
Well, I use a repti-rheostat to control my heat mats, and then have a digital thermometer in there to visually see the temp. Then I adjust the rheostat to get the correct temp.

The Cobra mats actually say that they can be used on plastic. The other's say not to use on plastic, but I have a couple of Zoo Med UTH's on plastic enclousers and not had a problem.

The containers that you use depend on the snake that you are keeping in them. 12 qt for hatchlings and yearlings, and 23-24 qt for adults.

I don't use the mini, but the next size up. If you are using 12 qt, you would probably go with the mini so that it is truely on one side of the enclouser.
 
pcar said:
Dand, I think that he is looking for something to use now (he doesn't have the rack built).
Click to expand...

Paul,

I understood what he was asking. I use just the heat tape and a thermostat even prior to making a new rack system. I have a bunch set up like that right now since it's been too wet/snowy for me to put the needed supplies in the back of my truck.
 
I have a bunch of 5 gal glass aquariums that I could use as well. The measurements are 16"L x 10"W x 9"H. I assume that would be ok until the summer as well.
 
DAND said:
Paul,

I understood what he was asking. I use just the heat tape and a thermostat even prior to making a new rack system. I have a bunch set up like that right now since it's been too wet/snowy for me to put the needed supplies in the back of my truck.
Click to expand...

ok...sorry for questioning you.

howiet4702 said:
I have a bunch of 5 gal glass aquariums that I could use as well. The measurements are 16"L x 10"W x 9"H. I assume that would be ok until the summer as well.
Click to expand...

How big are your snakes? a 5 gallon will be very hard to get a proper temp gradient in. If you have the sterelites, use them. I misunderstood Dand...You can use the Heat Tape outside of a rack too, just lay a strip of it down set your boxes on it, and then fold over the top to stack more boxes on.
 
The snakes are about 4-5 months old and around 14" in length. I fiqured it would be better to house them in a 5 gal aqarium rather than a 12 qt sterelite container.
 
i agree with you i would probly put mine in the 5 gallon tank has to be better for the snake, but the sterelite are a good houseing effect for the snake i have never had any complaints about them but if you can fin them in a 5 gallon that would be better for their own sake :twoguns:
 
It's also only temp for about 6 months until I build my rack system....

5 snakes now w/o a rack system! Just think how many I will have after I build the rack! :)
 
a 12 qt sterelite is longer than a 5 gallon, and is a lot easier to achieve the proper temerature gradients. You will have more floor space for your snakes using the 12qt sterelite than you will using the 5 gallon glass tank. I have a 10 gallon tank at home, and it got too small for my smallest corn which was a length of 20".

howie, wiht your's being 14" in length, you might be able to house in a 5 gallon for a short time, but if your snakes are fast growers, then it won't last long. Either way, it is your decision to make.
 
howiet4702 said:
It's also only temp for about 6 months until I build my rack system....

5 snakes now w/o a rack system! Just think how many I will have after I build the rack! :)
Click to expand...

I have 9 snakes right now with out a rack system. I am planning on starting the new rack in a couple of weeks. just need to find a little more time between work, teaching, and taking care of the babies (Human and reptiles).
 
Thanks Paul..

I think i am going to stick with the sterelite container option then. For some reason, I thought that the 5 gal would have more floor space. I wish I had the time too so I can start making my rack system. Like you said...work, kids (a 6 y/o, 2 1/2 y/o and a 7 month old) etc...it's kinda hard :)
 
wow...you have a house full...I need to stop complainging about my lack of time as I only have one child...2 months old. But then I have 9 snakes, 8 anoles, 3 Texas Spinies, and 3 Beardies...so I guess that my reptiles make up for the missing kids...

And you are welcome. Glad that I could help out. We will have to share pics of our racks when we get them done.
 
You can make a rack system out of a plastic shelving unit. You just cut the tubes to the desired height.
 

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cornsnake00 said:
You can make a rack system out of a plastic shelving unit. You just cut the tubes to the desired height.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty cool design idea. Unfortunately it wouldn't work for me because I'd empty every KMart and WallMart and still not have enough for all my snakes. I'm sure there will be quite a few people barrowing your suggestion though.
 
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