Quick question about melamine when building your own rack...

Would the 5/8 be thick enough/sturdy enough to support full grown ball pythons in 41 qts? Or would you suggest the 3/4?

Also, if you have had experience with melamine, what kind of screws did you use? I have used melamine before and it cracked, but that was when screwing into it.

Any pointers would help, Thanks!