Melamine Cages (not racks) have you had issues?

[OhhWatALoser]

Those who have had experience using melamine cages, did you have issues. I mean i know people say you can have problem with humidity wrapping the wood (which if its sealed i don't see how) , but people also use MDF covered with contact paper and wouldn't that be the same thing? enlighten me please.

I already use melamine caging for bearded dragons and It works great, but thats an alot drier cage. I just don't get the need for everyone to use plastic or contact paper and shun upon melamine.

[PythonWallace]

I'm working on a couple of melamine cages. I put heat tape down on one side, then covered the entire bottom with vinyl tile, covering the heat tape. Then I used latex sealant to make a seal around all four edges and used a crazy glue syringe to capillary thin seams in between each tile. Then I used epoxy to seal the single exposed cord to the bottom along the side. When I say exposed cord, I mean one of the two leads to the heat tape, fully insulated, not an exposed live wire. So the bottom is completely waterproof to about an eighth of an inch up the wall and the heat tape and most of the cord are hidden.

I cut out a hole in each side near the top. I mounted a dimmer switch in one, and wired the heat tape to it, and I mounted an on/off wall switch in the other for a 24" fluorescent strip light that I mounted along the top of the cage toward the back. Both switches have plate covers, and I used latex sealant to fill in the spaces around the switches on the inside. The light strip also has a plastic cover so the snake cannot touch the actual bulb. I am going to cut out a rectangle in the back of the cage and install a small metal vent cover for ventilation.

I used metal shelf holders that I cut to the length of the cage as guides for two sliding glass doors that I attached nickel handles and magnetic latches to. I originally used glass for these, but I kept breaking the glass when I was drilling the holes for the handles, so I threw the glass a way and switched to plexi glass that I framed out with vinyl edging so it didn't have any bend to prevent a snake from being able to squeeze it's way out between overlap of the two sliding doors/windows. It actually looks really good, and functions great, too. I picked out a faux forest green granite tile for it, and I like the fact that the heat tape is completely hidden and that it has internal lighting.

[Hypnotic Exotic]

You're talking about cages, not racks i take it? I only have racks and no problems other than throwing my back out trying to lift one. Mine must weigh a couple hundred pounds or at least they seem like it.

[OhhWatALoser]

for the 2 people who said yes, care to explain?

[Blue Apple Herps]

I made a 48x18x18 cage out of melamine. After a while the top started to sag. So probably not a melamine issue, more of a design issue. But it is heavy so you can't have long stretches unsupported.

[OhhWatALoser]

I made a 48x18x18 cage out of melamine. After a while the top started to sag. So probably not a melamine issue, more of a design issue. But it is heavy so you can't have long stretches unsupported.

alrite thank you for the input

[55Ballin]

I just finished constructing one, and while I haven't had any experience with how it handles temp/cleaning/humidity-wise, I must say that it was very easy to build and the stuff is very easy to work with. I have worked with plywood and lumber countless times before and the melamine was 10x easier and much of the finish work (sanding, priming, sealing, painting) is already done for you. All you need to do is caulk the joints and you're good to go.

[alohareptiles]

Okay, I'll say why I will never have a melamine cage again...I ordered from a reputable maker, but the shipping was hell from start to finish and was a joke because I was told after the fact that I was responsible for paying once it was dropped off and then unloading it off the UPS truck ...When it did arrive 2 of the cages were damaged and I HAD TO GO THROUGH THE DISPUTING PROCESS WITH UPS ...That sucked and was a joke...Enough about the process of ordering, if you make your own you won't have to go through my ordeal...

Now the problems with the cages:
1. Heavy, once you place it, prepare to leave it there...
2. Moisture in the cage will cause the smooth coating to kind of bubble and not be as smooth over time...
3. With too much moisture and weight it will start to sag a little...and reinforcing it near impossible
4. The caulk sealing will cause the newspaper to stick to it and thus, you'll have little pieces all around the cage (probably not the most sanitary, especially when it's mixed with fecal material and urine)
5. Heating you'll need RHP's, unless you can work with a router and groove out a part and then cover with glass or plastic to protect the heating source...

I'm still using mine, but will be trying to get rid of it when I get a couple more Pro-Lines in my collection...It's nice looking and functions...

[55Ballin]

Yes, melamine is VERY heavy. Like pandp said, if you use melamine, plan on leaving it in one spot. I was able to overcome the weight issue, however, by putting the tank on a frame built from 2x4's and finished with melamine on the outside. I used castor wheels on the bottom to make it mobile and it worked very well. I can easily roll it all over the house if I needed to.

I am currently using a flexwatt pad and a Repti-Therm pad for heating because I figured overcoming the thickness would be an issue for heat. So far the temps are right right on.

I will have to see what happens as far as warping/bubbling of the coating. I guess every material will have its downsides. I went with melamine because of cost, availability, and wipe-down cleaning.

[martinarquero]

right now Im working on my 3erd cage these one is 60X24X18 inches and im using 1/4" reinforced with 2x2 on the floor so that I can tape the flexwatt directly to the bottom, on top of the 1/4 mdf floor Im placing vinyl stick on tile to help with spills and urine, on one of my cages I had a problem with the floor of just melamine, mind you I was new at these and was using aspen for bedding so I wouldent notice urine and would not clean the cage for weeks at a time so the melamine did bubble up a little, now since a burm is going in the one Im making and they can get everything really wet Ill use the vinil.