a few questions about these types of racks/cages

[zeke]

I did not make this cage, I am using the photo as an example.. I wanna make some like it but not sure if it need vent holes in the top or sides.. also I will be stacking them , is belly heat best to use? building them is not the problem, I build custom kitchens... the details on the cages is where I need some help.. thanks to all who give info.

Cheers

[Covington]

The ventilation is provided via holes in the rear (actually routed slots about 3/32" an several inches long) as well as small gaps around the door. Basically that is accomplished by not having the recessed door stop all of the way around the circumference of the plexiglass. Heat tape is then placed on the topside of the floor and covered with a very thin layer of plastic type material that is glues over it to hold the heat tape in place thus creating a warm spot. Hope this makes sense, if not just ask and I will be more detailed in my next post.

[Covington]

If you look closely at the picture you posted you will see there is only a stop for the door at the top (use a router set at half the depth of the material used. For example a 5/8 melamine ply with the hole for the door cut out completely on the sides and recessed at the top by the thickness of the plexi used.

[zeke]

ok got ya, i'm pickin up what your droppin.. can I use vinyl tile to cover the flexwatt? or do you think the flexwatt will melt them? thank you for the imput.

Cheers

[Dean]

The Cage I recently built, I used Vinyl Tile to cover the flexwatt and so far no melting. Although if your planning on a good seal you have to rely an adhesive such as silicon on the bottom of the tile as the flexwatt will take most of the adhesive surface room.