Ok all, so I am considering splurging and buying me a rack from Reptile Basics as they seem to be a very solid brand name for the expanded PVC rack systems.

So what I am torn on is getting the 4 tier 32qt system or getting the 3 tier CB70 system. Right now I have only two BPs and looking to get a least a third later this year and I want to maximize my $$ on the housing. My plan is to have a BP collection of 1.2 in the fall if not more ;).

What do you all think? Get the 32 for now and live with that for a while or just go ahead and get the CB70 - which I may need in the end anyhow?

Yes I know a lot of people poo-poo keeping little snakes in big tubs, but I haven't had an issue yet and my buddy got a young snake and just dropped him in a 50 gal without any problems, so I'm not that concerned.

well I can tell you one thing. I personally would go with the cb70. I have found recently that I have a few girls that are about a 2 years old that need to be in the cb70 tubs but are stuck in 32qt tubs. The other thing I have found is that most of the 32 qt tubs are the same floor space as most 27 qt tubs. There just isn't alot of room for them to move around after they reach about 1400 grams. Although if you do decide to get the 32 most of my males are currently kept in 27qt tubs right now. They don't seem to mind as much. but breeding in these tubs even though I have heard its possible is very hard for the male because if you put 2 snakes of about 3 to 4 feet each. in an aproximately 23 by 16 inches just about 3 sq ft. So if you decide to get the 32qt tubs. You can always put more males in it later. I still am hoping to get a ars or freedom breeder this year. Just to maximize space.

Just my opinion but I get better results out of 32 qt. tubs.
I have 8 32 qt. Boaphile racks and 1 Vision CB70.
I think they eat better and they can still self regulate there temps.
I also like a closed system better than a open one. In my room they shed better. jmo

You didn't mention what size your pythons are. If they're adult I'd go with CB70, otherwise the 32qt. if you can buy the CB70 later on when they need more space.

I'd go for the 4 tier for now since you sound like you plan to expand more and then you could look into a cb70 setup down the road a bit. If you got large enough you'd have the 4 spots for males and get whatever you need for the big girls as they grow.
But if you honstly intend to stop at 3 snakes go with the larger tubs.

You didn't mention what size your pythons are. If they're adult I'd go with CB70, otherwise the 32qt. if you can buy the CB70 later on when they need more space.

I agree!!! :yessir:

You didn't mention what size your pythons are. If they're adult I'd go with CB70, otherwise the 32qt. if you can buy the CB70 later on when they need more space.

He is at work and not able to reply while there but I can field this one for him. They are youngins, probably around 300g

You can see them here:

http://www.reptileradio.net/reptileradio/showthread.php?t=5476

thank you asplundii. Yeah they are about 300 grams or so right now, and for scale they are living in 28 qt tubs with two medium sized RBI hides, which take up a good amount of the floor space in the tubs already.

I definitely appreciate the responses so far on this one and it certainly is a tough one. I don't know what my plans would be after a mojo purchase unless I got another normal female or something like that (these darn buggers are expensive). So i am kind of torn as to what to do. the 32 does allow for more snakes but of course having a 4.3 colony isn't in the right direction ;).

Ah decisions.

One thing you might want to look into is the Animal Plastics Economy rack. I have one and if I remember correctly, it was around $180. It uses Sterilite bins and you can use 32 or 16 qt bins in whatever configuration you want. 6 slots, so you can have anywhere from 6 to 12 bins depending on how you set it up. I can't speak to the Reptile Basics racks since I have no experience with them, but the AP racks assemble really nicely. I have all of my breeders in 32 qt bins and it is no problem at all. Here's a pic of how I have it set up right now. I have another rack with younger BPs that aren't ready to breed yet, plus a couple of babies on the bottom of this one.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj92/syndicate559/Snakes/blackrack.jpg

The Iris 32 qt. tubs look like they might be deeper than the Sterilites, so mine may have more floor surface, which could be why they don't seem too small at all. If you look at the top tub, that's a 2000-gram female in there and she's got room. I'm definitely not trying to talk you out of anything, but didn't know if you'd considered the AP rack and thought I'd relay my experience in case it's helpful to you. Good luck. You probably can't go wrong either way.

ooohhh I never looked at those before. A CB70 is measured @ 17 3/4"W x 33 1/2"L x 6"H per boasandballs.com

that econo rack does look like a good possibility though, I never thought of it before. if a 2kg BP can live happy in them I can certainly get some miles out of it :)

You might want to look into the 28 quart Rubbermaid rack from Animal Plastics. The seven high is only a little bit more than the Reptile Basics four high. It has the same floor space as the 32 quart Sterilite which is what you need not the added height. You have seen these racks in action at my place but mine are the 11 high. I keep all of my Males in these and Females up to 2000 grams. Here is the link to just the racks.

http://www.animalplastics.com/rubbermaid/2221.htm

Here is the link to the full site.

http://www.animalplastics.com/

ooohhh I never looked at those before. A CB70 is measured @ 17 3/4"W x 33 1/2"L x 6"H per boasandballs.com

that econo rack does look like a good possibility though, I never thought of it before. if a 2kg BP can live happy in them I can certainly get some miles out of it :)

I don't know if you picked up on this or not, but the Animal Plastics racks DO NOT come with the bins, so that's something you'd have to figure into the budget.

thanks, Albey. I was going to actually give you a ring and ping you with that same question because I couldn't remember (I wasn't paying too much attention to the racks, more of the contents).

Eddie does bring up a good point (that I was aware of) is that with RBI you get the tubs and shipping included in the price, so at $280+$50+7x$20 = $470 for animal plastics vs $270 for RBI (assuming 7 tier vs 4 tier)...

Taking it a step further they really are about the same price, per level, in the end, of around $70, give or take depending on what kind of deal you can get on the tubs, so it's a wash I think.

Also, Albey points out again why I think it is silly tubs are always referred to by volume, not foot print, in keeping snakes ;)

Another question that should fire up eternal debate, should one go for back or belly heat?

I use an ARS 70 rack...bought extra heat panels...and put a divider down the middle of the tubs (short way)...I can put two snakes in a CB 70 slot....if I need more space I can remove the dividers....

belly Heat....

I have several of the Reptile Basics racks and have been very happy with them all the way around. No problems at all of any kind with them. Great customer service also they get my orders sent out and to me really fast. I have just added a couple of new racks that I built for my breeders in the 41qt size tubs. I have had all my balls in the 28-32qt tubs until now.

Email Ali at Animal Plastics about options on the Econorack line. They make it in CB70s and taller racks, etc. It isn't on the website yet, but she can give you all the details if you just email.

I had great success last year using ARS cb70 racks. If you can handle the expense I think the easy of moving them around is worth something to

I currently keep all my adults in 32qt tubs even the 4000gramers, I know people who keep and breed in 27qt but if I had a choice to do it all over again, I'd build all my racks for cb70's. The extra room I believe allows for more gradient which should equal better success breeding wise.

thanks for all the replies to this thread (and sorry if it was supposed to be in the caging forum but I thought since I was specifically asking about BPs this was the spot).

well I have decided to make my own rack based on the design from Bailey reptiles which is a sticky in the caging forum (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/cb70rack.html).

it seems as though there is a split thought about 32qt vs 41qt. I guess I am at the point of, "is there a reason to NOT do a CB70 rack?" After talking it over with Albey he has great success with just 32s with all but a few of his snakes.

So i am at that point now.

thanks for all the replies to this thread (and sorry if it was supposed to be in the caging forum but I thought since I was specifically asking about BPs this was the spot).

well I have decided to make my own rack based on the design from Bailey reptiles which is a sticky in the caging forum (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/cb70rack.html).

it seems as though there is a split thought about 32qt vs 41qt. I guess I am at the point of, "is there a reason to NOT do a CB70 rack?" After talking it over with Albey he has great success with just 32s with all but a few of his snakes.

So i am at that point now.

I love the bigger tubs, I can't think of any reason NOT to get one. :yessir:

Hey bro I'd go with the cb70's over the 32qt tubs any day of the week and twice on sundays..

And you can buy the cb70's. Bryan Hawn(ARS) even makes one with a cup holder built in. Did I mention you'll be able to get more latter on if you need them.

Man i just ordered one of these racks to check them out and the way you make them sound I'm sure I'll be getting more can't wait for mine :wamma::wamma:..... AP is up to 4 weeks of production right now BTW....
One thing you might want to look into is the Animal Plastics Economy rack. I have one and if I remember correctly, it was around $180. It uses Sterilite bins and you can use 32 or 16 qt bins in whatever configuration you want. 6 slots, so you can have anywhere from 6 to 12 bins depending on how you set it up. I can't speak to the Reptile Basics racks since I have no experience with them, but the AP racks assemble really nicely. I have all of my breeders in 32 qt bins and it is no problem at all. Here's a pic of how I have it set up right now. I have another rack with younger BPs that aren't ready to breed yet, plus a couple of babies on the bottom of this one.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj92/syndicate559/Snakes/blackrack.jpg

The Iris 32 qt. tubs look like they might be deeper than the Sterilites, so mine may have more floor surface, which could be why they don't seem too small at all. If you look at the top tub, that's a 2000-gram female in there and she's got room. I'm definitely not trying to talk you out of anything, but didn't know if you'd considered the AP rack and thought I'd relay my experience in case it's helpful to you. Good luck. You probably can't go wrong either way.

I think if you're just getting started and your snakes are still smaller a 32qt RBI rack with the dividers is ideal. I've got two of them and I keep all 9 of my ball pythons in them with 0 issues. I just keep them two to a tub with the divider in the middle (basically makes it like a long 6qt tub) until they hit about 600g then pop em in their own tub. I've got a couple breeding in them right now with no problems at all.

It's not really true for all balls but I know a few of mine will refuse to eat unless they're in a cramped tub, I've got one that at 800g won't eat if I move her out of the divided tub, so that's where she stays and she's happy :lol: Bigger is not always better with them and you can be pretty flexible with the RBI racks.

Just my .02 man :D

I think if you're just getting started and your snakes are still smaller a 32qt RBI rack with the dividers is ideal. I've got two of them and I keep all 9 of my ball pythons in them with 0 issues. I just keep them two to a tub with the divider in the middle (basically makes it like a long 6qt tub) until they hit about 600g then pop em in their own tub. I've got a couple breeding in them right now with no problems at all.

It's not really true for all balls but I know a few of mine will refuse to eat unless they're in a cramped tub, I've got one that at 800g won't eat if I move her out of the divided tub, so that's where she stays and she's happy :lol: Bigger is not always better with them and you can be pretty flexible with the RBI racks.

Just my .02 man :D

That's another good point, about some BPs not liking big tubs at all. I have a female pastel pushing 900 grams and if I take her out of her 15 qt, she won't eat. There isn't even room for a hide in there, but that's what she likes. I'm definitely not one of the most experienced collectors, but I have a feeling that what we and Ball Pythons consider enough space could be two completely different things a lot of times.