New modular rack

[zn394]

Several of our babies were ready for larger tubs, so a new rack was in order. I thought y'all might like seeing the construction since this one is a little different from the typical rack.

I made this in sections so it is easier to get it inside the house. Sterilite tubs were used for the entire rack. Each slot can accomodate one 41qt, one 28qt and one 15qt, or three 15qt tubs. Being able to find all three sizes that were the same height has allowed me to reconfigure the rack as needs change. It could even hold 6qt hatchling tubs with appropriately sized shims.

The first step is drilling the holes in the tubs. I haven't tried the soldering gun method yet since this works well for me and is fairly quick. I used a shelf hole drilling jig for the spacing.

[zn394]

Next I cut out the shelves and sides. Each shelf is 36 3/4" x 17 1/4" and each side is 5 3/4" x 17 1/4". Each level is assembled with one shelf and two sides.


After all the modules were assembled, I brought them into the house and stacked them in their final configuration.


The end panels are cut from 1/4" hardboard with one side white. These are screwed into the ends of each module, making sure each module is aligned with the one below. Once all the ends are installed, the rack will not shift front to back.


The backs are next to go on. They are cut from 1/8" insulating board and sized to fit the rack. Once installed, the rack will not shift side to side and is now one solid rack. We had housed our snakes in tanks before I built our first rack, so we had several heating pads laying around. These will do until I decide on what size and configuration of heat tape to use. Here are the backs with the mats taped in place using aluminum tape.


All is now assembled and in place.


And for a final touch, the top of the rack is a perfect place for the new Vision 422 that is home to our nearly 7' hypo BCI Betsy. Here we are - all finished and everyone enjoying their new, larger homes!


I hope you enjoyed my first attempt at showing a step by step DIY rack.

Jeff Culp

[Camarokidz28]

Cool thread, turned out nice. Have you looked into using flexwatt?

[zn394]

Thanks. I just ordered the flexwatt Monday, so it will be going in this weekend.

[Camarokidz28]

Thanks. I just ordered the flexwatt Monday, so it will be going in this weekend.

Awesome, I look forward to checking back on this. This is just about exactly what I plan on building at the moment. Currently only have a 2 snake collection, one of which will eventually need a much bigger enclosure, but plan to expand eventually.