Looking for ideas ...

[ashnruss]

I'm looking for ideas and instructions on how to make a cheap rack that will house three or four adult corn snakes. Any help would be appreciated as my husband and I have no clue how to even start!

 

[Sai_Keths]

First you will need to get the habitats. If you are getting glass aquariums/vivariums make sure they are front opening
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77387
If you will be using custom front opening vivariums, good for you,
If using the above habitats, skip what I am about to type
If you will be using plastic tubs, measure the height, for the space between the shelves should be less than a centimeter taller than this to prevent escape, though I know a corn who learned to push his drawer out, then again with the large tubs you should be using this shouldnt be a problem
Anyway, for the building, this should explain it better than I can:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Custom-Bookcase/

 

[Dracoluna]

Since you are saying rack, I'm assuming you're looking at using plastic tubs. What I've done since I like a lighter rack than what most people use, is to get a wire shelving rack that's adjustable. I buy the boxes I wish to use first, then find a rack that fits the size I'm looking for shelf-wise. A few strips of flex-watt wired up and laid on the back of the rack, and they are good to go. I do use containers with snug lids though since I don't trust a snake not to push a drawer style out. If they have to get the lid off and push the box out, I feel better.

This is the rack I use for my adults' setup which is using 40 gallon tanks (also houses my beardie). However, the shelf size also works for the 41 qt. plastic boxes. I got it on sale at Menards for about $35. Just have to watch the sales but they are common in spring. You could also use the plastic shelving racks.
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6070-...DTYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327848340&sr=8-1

I use 2 of these stacked (the metal ones screw together so you can make your racks as tall as you like) for my hatchling racks. They fit 3 boxes on each shelf wonderfully.
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Supre...P692/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1327848340&sr=8-7

 

[crotalis40741]

I'm looking for ideas and instructions on how to make a cheap rack that will house three or four adult corn snakes. Any help would be appreciated as my husband and I have no clue how to even start!

A cheap easy way is to use OSB board 5/8 inch thick and 2x2, costs me about 30 to build two five slot racks. They can be painted and work very well.

 

[Buzzard]

As Crotalis mentioned, 30-50 bucks a rack with tubs, probably cheaper if your only doing 4-5 high. I use the lids on my tubs, so I built them out of straight 1/4 plywood. The shelves are a tight fit so the snakes can not push the lids off. The hatchling rack was purchased.....

 

[Definitions]

Since you are saying rack, I'm assuming you're looking at using plastic tubs. What I've done since I like a lighter rack than what most people use, is to get a wire shelving rack that's adjustable. I buy the boxes I wish to use first, then find a rack that fits the size I'm looking for shelf-wise. A few strips of flex-watt wired up and laid on the back of the rack, and they are good to go. I do use containers with snug lids though since I don't trust a snake not to push a drawer style out. If they have to get the lid off and push the box out, I feel better.

This is the rack I use for my adults' setup which is using 40 gallon tanks (also houses my beardie). However, the shelf size also works for the 41 qt. plastic boxes. I got it on sale at Menards for about $35. Just have to watch the sales but they are common in spring. You could also use the plastic shelving racks.
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6070-...DTYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327848340&sr=8-1

I use 2 of these stacked (the metal ones screw together so you can make your racks as tall as you like) for my hatchling racks. They fit 3 boxes on each shelf wonderfully.
http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Supre...P692/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1327848340&sr=8-7

you said this shelving unit works for the 41qt also? what tubs would you use for the 41 qt...also are the shelves 14" front to back? do you have heat loss or do you use something over your shelf to mount the heat tape to?

 

[Dracoluna]

The one that I have is 17.5" deep by a little over 42". The tubs I've tested out on it are something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-3Q...?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1328041002&sr=1-15
I like locking lids and there are about 4 brands to choose from that lock like this at my local Wal-Mart.

For my smaller rack, I notice that my thermostat does turn on a decent amount in the winter but for the larger rack, I'm going to be using laminate (same stuff they use for countertops without the fiber board underneath) to help conserve heat since it will be larger. With the hatchling rack, I'm not too concerned about it as the snakes are staying plenty warm on that side. That rack is also directly below a window and it gets plenty cold up here. On the hatchling rack, the flex-watt just lays over the top and is not mounted. These shelves have a small 'lip' from the way they are made so it sits right in there without any issues. I'll try to get some pictures tonight so you can see how it's put together.

 

[Definitions]

that would be great... I am thinking about going the option of the work force rack. I haven't tried rubbermaid tubs yet.. I went today and sized up some sterilites that they had at my local home depot. I dunno I mean I live in california so my room temp at the moment is like 73....so an open rack I dont think would be a problem for corns. They arent like balls that need that high humidity and high heat. Pics would be great so I can get an idea of the wire rack system.

 

[Dracoluna]

This is the hatchling rack which I use at the moment. I have more shelves for when I get my snake room in a couple weeks. I currently use the top as a table where you can see a grey bucket which stores extra coconut fiber for my 40 gallon (switched the hatchlings to aspen and no one seems to be objecting) and it also has my digital scale so I can weigh everyone at feeding time. You can see the feeding tubs on the windowsill behind it. Those will be moved to a table in the snake room but since I couldn't go any higher where it is (didn't want direct sunlight hitting the cages and frying someone) I've set it up this way for now.

Overview of the rack:

Flexwatt:

Thermostat/Wiring:

 

[Definitions]

so i see you are running the same thermostat as I will be. what shelf and where do you have your probe at for the T-stat? also what size tubs are those 16 qt?

 

[Dracoluna]

My probe is in the top, middle tub. As for the size, 16 sounds about right. They are larger than the shoebox size so that the babies can stay in them longer. They fit perfectly onto the shelf though it's just slightly too narrow to fit 4 across.

 

[Definitions]

nice setup... You have been very helpful. I am looking for a couple snakes at the moment. Gonna search the classifieds and try and get a package deal. anyways thanks again!!!