Ball Pythons - Best DIY rack I've built - Part 1

This is my best DIY rack build. It is the most complete build video that I've made. I show how the tub size translates to the dimension for all the final cuts. I show, up close, how to connect and attached the heat tape, and as an added bonus I also show the assembly of a rolling base. I'm really happy with how it turned out.
Shop STC 1000 temperature controller: amzn.to/2lqnHTp
You can see how I connected the STC 1000 in the DIY egg incubator video: • Pastel Candino x Albin...
PVC boards are purchased from Home Depot
Dimensions: 1/2 x 48 x 96 inches
SKU 1000-052-907 76.36USD ea.
Music:
Happy Life by FREDJI / fredjimusic
/ fredjimusic
Music promoted by Audio Library • Happy Life - FREDJI (N...

[@gottabsleeved]

people that dont know,this rack is meant for a warm room.Colubrids are about the only thing that this rack will heat in a 70f room.For boas etc this rack needs a room in high 70s or more.Or the cool end will be to cold

[@KK-vs8ep]

Hands down one of the best and most practical tutorials I’ve seen. Well done!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Thank you!

[@dflgratful]

Outstanding vid. One of the best tutorials on building a snake rack.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

DT Reptile thank you!

[@apehead1791]

Excellent video. Quality rack too. I might have routed some clearance on the sides of the back end of each shelf. That way a single run of heat tape could be used, snaked around each shelf and one plug. Thanks for sharing your build!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

That's an option. Certainly works 👌

[@lynnemartin2291]

Very impressive. 😎

[@lazywolfreptiles]

Wow, Lucas! Great video! And very nice build for a hatchling rack. I may use your design when I have the need.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Chris Miller - LazyWolf Reptiles hope you do. Just measure the tub first and go off of its dimensions.

[@Mandicane2216]

Best rack video I've seen thanks super helpful!

[@MitchellGWhitehead]

Fantastic video. I'm building one this weekend.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Fantastic let me know if you have questions. [e-mail]

[@skyediy6288]

I'd like too see it finished or maybe progress

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

It's been completed. Check out part 2 and other diy in this Playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLib8YW6qeuZcy6OPAcVE3j6J78K_abxAx

[@marktingle1347]

Nice video, cool rack, like that base slide at the end. Funny. Lol.

[@ryanchardon1553]

Great informative blog. Enjoyed watching and learning from it.your carpenter skills are on point

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Ryan Chardon thank you!

[@ridiculousreptiles]

Another GREAT DIY rack video, I like that you showed How you made the notches for the heat tape in the support pieces in this video, I didn't think it was that simple. I assumed you (I know I know) used a router or something. By chance does it say on the sticker with the UPC code What type of PVC that material Actually is ? There's So many different types of PVC, just wanna make sure I can the "correct" PVC sheets to use cuz some PVC types are stronger than others. Great video Lucas. Keep up the good work.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sergio M. The product, SKU, dimensions, and price are in the Descriptions section above. Not all Home Depot carry them, unfortunately. This is the only one easily available to me but as long as they are rigid enough you can use any kind.

[@ridiculousreptiles]

Lucas Landon Royals I usually check the description box before commenting but I didn't this time, Thank you kind Sir.

[@BlytheDyson]

Love these DIYs! Keep up the great work

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Blythe Dyson thanks!

[@EatRightGuy]

Excellent video

[@davonsmith6263]

Where do you get your heat tape from?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Reptilebasics.com has a wide selection.

[@hetco4138]

Bravo!! I notice my racks are progressing after all your videos.....Just in time for my new hatchling rack!!!

[@jasoncollins8562]

Love your DIY videos

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Jason Collins thank you!

[@ThePythonBurrow]

Great job!! Very nice work!!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The Python Burrow thank you!

[@Bluedarknitro]

Hello. A question where can i buy These thermo Element that you cut for your rack System? Thanks

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape hope that helps!

[@rick2528]

Hi, could you tell me where you bought the heating tapes? appreciate

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Here you go. www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape

[@joshtate1797]

You have GREAT diy videos!!!

[@JuanTorres-kx1vw]

Hi I was wondering since I’m going to do this same build if I can use one long strip of heat tape like the c serpent racks, and cut a notch at the end of the shelves and just slide them in and out of each level and have one thermostat and one plug for the whole piece. What do you think about this? Also do you leave a gap for your tubs , and how much of a gap?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Yes, you can weave the heat tape through all the levels. There will be a slight temperature variance between top and bottom levels, due to heat rises. I leave 1/8 inch gap for air and that's factor in to the spacing between each level. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

[@JuanTorres-kx1vw]

thanks for the response. So can I do it your way but connect all 10 plugs to one extension power strip and connect the power strip to the ve-100 thermostat. Would that work? And would the temperature vary too much the way I originally proposed? I’m very new at this so any tips will really help me 😁

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

My way is to use multiple controllers. Each controller controls 2-3 levels. That's how I minimize the variance. If you only have 1 controller then you will get a variance in temperature regardless if you weave the heat tape or make a bunch of short segments. The variance is probably minimal and not a big deal. Try the weave way first, because you can't un-cut the heat tape.

[@Mardybum17]

what is the size of the flexx watt that you using?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I used 3 in. heat tape. www.reptilebasics.com/3-heat-tape

[@Mardybum17]

@@LucasLandonRoyals with this size it reaches for temperature of the snake? thanks and greetings from Argentina

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

You want the back bottom of the tub to measure 90 F (32.2 C) inside. For small tubs I use 3 inch heat tape. Larger tubs use wider heat tape.

[@Mardybum17]

@@LucasLandonRoyals last question brother. What measures of tappers do you use for small pythons and which for large ones?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@Mardybum17 width of heat tape is dependent on the tub size, not the snake size 👍 The heat tape should be 1/3 - 1/4 of the tub's bottom.

[@kristinhl364]

Most all vids I've seen of rack builds imply that the heat tape has to have a routed space rather than using foil tape to protect it. Since I don't have a router I wanted to go this route but wasn't sure if it would be the safe option. Have you had any problems with the heat tape not being recessed? Why did you choose not to?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Hi. There isn't much rubbing on the heat tape. I showed how the racks are holding up in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnWVcqJmrtSgg68

[@ChrisBurnsReptiles]

Love your videos! Wish I had access to pvc and was as skilled as you! Would save me a lot of money in caging!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

ChrisBurns it's not that difficult. Home depot does the cutting.

[@TheDracochik1981]

Hello . Wonderful build. Was wondering if you by chance have a list of all products needed for this and a guide of exact measurements and how many tubs this holds I need to build a rack and would like to do one like this

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

There is a part 2 to this build. All together it holds 48 tubs. The measurements of all the PVC cut pieces depends on the tub sizes. Main materials are PVC sheets, heat tape, extension cords, corrugated plastic. There are little things such a screws and tape. I probably should make a full list. Haha

[@jacobluker5531]

Would you say it was cheaper and worth the time to do this versus just buying a rack?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Definitely cheaper for me. I had other reasons for building it so it was definitely worth it. But things may be different for you depending on your situation.

[@MrHustlinu98]

Are there cons to doing one long piece of heat tape that snakes back and forth up the sides instead of 6 separate strips?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

3 cons that I can think of right now. The end closest to the power source will be warmer than the far end of the heat tape, variance depends on the length of the heat tape. Also, snaking the heat tape back and forth requires more heat tape and uses a bit more electricity. Lastly, one long heat tape means if something fails, the whole rack will lose heat.

[@donteague614]

Beautiful rack! It looks professional! The way you wire your system , wouldn't it all fail if there was a problem any where in the system?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

There's no fail safe but the controller is reliable, and at its low cost I can afford to have a spare

[@ArMongrel]

Hi, Love your DIY videos. They have really helped me build my first rack. I just finished building a pvc 10 high rack for FB40 tubs. I'm using two of the STC-1000s (5 heat mats per thermostat). I have a bit of temperature variance between a couple of mats, both on the same thermostat. I'm trying to trouble shoot it now, but thought I would ask if you've experienced this? I'm thinking maybe i did not get a good solder connection where the wire connects to the mat. Do you have any thoughts?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Definitely check the connections to be safe. The mat with the probe will be more accurate and consistent than the others. Try this... Fill up the rack with empty tubs, turn off the heat for an hour, turn the heat on for a couple hours then check the temperature in the tubs starting with the tubs furthest from the probe. If it's just a couple degrees difference then it's nothing to worry about. There will always be a variance as you open close the tubs but the temperature should even out when all the tubs are closed and left alone. You can email me if you have more questions. [e-mail]

[@wrongxrealm]

This is the best DIY rack video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for putting the math in there as well, I never can remember how to do it! Onward to making my own rack!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Wade Stenquist thanks! Just remember to base the rack size based on the dimensions of the tubs you buy.

[@Triggreptiles]

Awesome video. Very informative

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Gianne Apurado Thank you!

[@marcosmontalvo9370]

Awesome videos! Keep them coming. How have you liked your experience with the STC? How would you compare it to the Herpstat?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Hey thanks! I only use STC1000 so it's unfair to compare. STC1000 are reliable and you can get them on Amazon for about $10. I have a link to that product in the Description section if you want to give it a try.

[@Aglrfamily]

Your videos are great! I can't find that pvc anywhere

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I get mine from home depot. Have you tried Lowe's or a plastic distributor company? Last resort may be Amazon. Link to Amazon products are in the Description.

[@ELKORA2324]

Ty

[@frankcuzzolina9947]

Hello Lucas! I have a little issue, it seems home depot and lowes both dont carry this product in my area, and I cant find any distributor online, do u still use this product and can I ask where u get it from, thanks!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I get mine from Home depot. I put the SKU in the Description of my DIY videos. I also did a quick search and it's available on amazon-"PVC Foam Board Sheet (Celtec) - White - 24 IN x 48 IN x 12 MM Thick"

[@frankcuzzolina9947]

Ok thank you, Lucas, i will look into those today!

[@paulparks3588]

Look's really good

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Paul Parks thanks!

[@thebestbets7133]

I have a PVC enclosure for my burmese python... Would it be safe to use the "PVC Glue" to seal the sides and the floor of the enclosure together?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

PVC cement out if the bottle is toxic and the fumes are horrible but it is potable once cured. I'm not experienced with burms or their setups though.

[@andrespacheco4186]

Hi. I like your video a lot but I have some questions. How did you connect all the heating tapes to the wires that run to the thermostat? How did you make all the tapes in each level work?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I solder the wire to the heat tape. I've shown the soldering process and wiring to stc1000 in a few of my DIY videos. I like to reference my earlier videos.

[@adamnalan634]

How many sheets of pvc boards did you use?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I believe 2 sheets. The rack 12 levels high and holds 4 tubs per level.

[@adamnalan634]

Pvc no longer available through home depot

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Any reason why they don't stock it? I picked up 3 sheets just about a month ago.

[@The.juan.fernandez]

Will the heat tape melt the containers?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

You'll need to use a temperature controller or thermostat to maintain the correct temperature for the snakes. I set my controller to 35 degrees Celsius, which does not melt the tubs.

[@The.juan.fernandez]

@@LucasLandonRoyals awesome thank you!

[@baileywedgeworth7025]

Do you know the best thermostat to use for all rows of heat tape instead of having to get 3 and also what what the total cost of this build?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I haven't used many temperature controller to say which is the best but I imagine the heat tape with the probe on it will be the most accurate and consistent. The other heat tapes without the probe will be a little off. This rack with 4 levels cost just over $100.

[@maggielowther6116]

Would this work for leopard geckos ? I think it will I just want to make sure

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I have seen this rack design used for leopard geckos, but I'm not familiar with the species requirements.

[@maggielowther6116]

Lucas Landon Royals thank you

[@brandonjohnson1724]

is there a probe on each row in the middle? the stc 1000 only comes with one probe i believe.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

brandon johnson each stc1000 controls 2 levels. The probe is taped to one heat tape.

[@brandonjohnson1724]

so for this specific rack you used 3 stc1000's and probes taped to the middle of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th row?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

brandon johnson yes. When I turn on one stc1000, two levels get heat.

[@TIFWHITNEY]

Where can I find as roll of heat tape like the one you use in this?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

There are a few online stores. Here's one that I've ordered from. www.reptilebasics.com/heat-tape

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Wow! This is really nice! I always wonder how people get the holes drilled so they are sure to go through both pieces of wood when there is one piece on its edge to go through and not much margin for error. Is there a trick to getting that right?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

IAMGiftbearer you can make templates and jigs to drill accurate and consistent holes. The pros have a lot of experience and tricks. I can eyeball it most of the time but there are occasions when I need to do a little measuring.

[@USBCablez]

Where did you get them corner clamps from

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Home depot and Lowes carry them in the tools section.

[@xangba23]

Hi Lucas , great video ! Was wondering how you measure out where to place the inner panels. It looks like you have the spots marked out with tape in advance and was just wondering what the measurement is for finding the exact spot for each inner panel.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Oh. In my case, I divided it up equally. But another way to get the distance is take the height of the tub plus about 1/8 inch and make a mark. 1/8 inch is for a gap so the tub doesn't get stuck and also serves to allow air exchange. Thanks you!

[@justastarterxd5270]

is there alternative board for pvc board?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

JustA StarterXD you can use melamine but it may swell and its heavy.

[@Miggys_Morphs]

Hey Lucas What Would Be the best alternative to the pvc sheet?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Miguel Ruiz I haven't used any other plastics besides PVC, but I imagine any plastic that is rigid and nontoxic should work. The cheaper alternative is melamine but that stuff is heavy.

[@Miggys_Morphs]

Thank You! The pvc sheets are just really hard to find in the bay area. I will check out melamine. :)

[@josuecondebmx]

How many boards took to make the one rack

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

josue conde 1 PVC sheet of 8x4 ft

[@frankcuzzolina9947]

Hello Lucas! I want to thank you first of all for putting these videos out. I have watched a few of your videos now and they are all HELPFUL! I am currently putting together a rack system for my leopard geckos that will require 50 feet of 3" heat tape. through this thermometer unit, can i use the "cooling" outlets as well to kick on in sucha way that i could hook up 2 large heat tape strips to both the heating outllets and the cooling outlets to stay regulated around 90 degree? I was trying to think how this might work but wanted to consult someone with more experience. Maybe they all sell models that cater to heat source only aspects? I will look into that but also wanted to ask you. Thank you for your time Lucas and best of luck with your seaons!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Thanks for watching my videos. The cooling ports should only be used with cooling elements such as chillers and fans. You can hook up the heat tapes to the heating ports. The heating function will heat up the heat tape when temp reading is below your set temperature and shut off the heat tape when the temperature exceeds your set temperature. If you want the two heat tapes to run independently then you want to get two stc1000 units, one for each heat tape. The added benefit of running them independently is you gain precision.

[@frankcuzzolina9947]

Lucas Landon Royals TY LUCAS! I was wondering what benefit you might get from running 2 seperate units, and surely price wise this is very possible at only $15 a unit. Now I know why its more beneficial to run two seperate units as well, which was another question of mine, so TY again, and ill stay tuned in, good luck with everything =)

[@victor10161]

Nice D.I.Y Lucas 👍👍

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

victor10161 thanks!

[@dinclitabyrodrigomiguel1832]

Whats an ARS near to this ?🤣 Excelent video man

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

rodrigo miguel I'm in denial

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

rodrigo miguel did you mean Alcohol Recovery System? Haha

[@HBPExotics]

Awesome video man. Where do you find that pvc board? Name of it? I’m getting ready to build an adult rack for my ball pythons but I was going to use melamine. And how do u like that inkbird stc thermostat? I use ink bird myself for my racks but haven’t tried that one yet.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

HBP The product, SKU, dimensions, and price are in the Descriptions section above. Not all Home Depot carry them, unfortunately. Thanks for watching!

[@ELKORA2324]

Where do you get your heat tape from

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Jaime Rivera jr I order from reptilebasics.com. They sell connectors too.

[@juanpedroetchecopar5884]

Hi, mi question and what i wantd to know is how you finish de electric part on de video but you didnt put that part on the video could you try to explain me what to do next, you put one termostat to each matt???? Regards from argentina!!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I have a video just on the electrical and heating. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4jHi2CvarOMopY

[@Jkraft135]

Hey lucas love the video. I saw you built two then combined them with dowels. My question is how many sheets of 4x8 did you get cut for the whole project?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Two sheets. I think also had to use a scrap piece left over from another project. My combined rack is 12 high. But you can make smaller rack.

[@unapologeticallypatriotic3853]

Home depot sells the pvc board?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Yes, but not all stores have them in stock. Call your stores. Product information is in the Descriptions above. Amazon also sells them but are more expensive.

[@spydergs07]

Look up a local plastics distributor if you live close to a big city. We have multiple places close to me that sell 4'x8' sheets for less than $80/piece

[@Hyperrr]

how much does home depot charge to cut?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

$0. It's complementary.

[@chasingthefish9042]

Two cuts free .25 cents after the first two. Many will forget to charge

[@juaneason1976]

is 41 quarts good for adult blood pythons?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sorry for not responding sooner. Yes, 28-41 qt is good for adults.

[@An0n_Ym0us_79]

What's the approximate cost of this build?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The bulk of the cost is the sheet of PVC which was around $76. I would guess total for me was $130-160. This DIY was part 1. Check out part 2. Just double the cost for part 2.

[@beachside_Reptiles]

Would be nice if Home Depot even sold pvc

[@antmof94]

You should have just put the rack right side up and used the tubs themselves, plus piece of cardboard, as spacers for your shelves

[@Zappa285]

I just want to note that my Home Depot won't cut the PVC board, saying it clogs the exhaust and is against policy.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sorry you received that service. If there's no explicite signs up, you can speak to customer service. Some staff just don't want to be bothered.

[@Zappa285]

@@LucasLandonRoyals I went back today and spoke to a manager. He still wouldn't cut the board, but he gave me free delivery of the sheet and a free blade for my circular saw suitable for cutting the material.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@Zappa285 that's not a bad deal. You can cut a lot of sheets with a free blade. Haha. The PVC cuts just like wood.

[@wickedplayz_yt6548]

Could you build me a rack???

[@Ibaneddie76]

Man I am so jealous of the people who can get PVC boards in their state, I live in California and you can't get it here. I have to use melamine so my racks weigh 100000000000000000000000000000000lb's haha.

[@buffalophil3630]

NICE RACK😅

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

REPTILIANMAN 626 someone had to say it. Thanks for watching!

[@buffalophil3630]

Lucas Landon Royals lol no problem haha the opportunity was there

[@thesunsetreptiles]

That’s funny you have fish and you do reptiles lol

[@khoatruong7207]

Giống người việt v s

[@ericgutierrez728]

What’s the material you used for the dividers

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I used the same pvc material, cut to small pieces. They are glued in place with pvc cement.

[@lantyem]

Where do you get the tubs?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Home depot carries them and are readily in stock. Target sells them at the lower price but supply is limited at my store.