Melamine and heat tape

[jlcalero]

I've seen A lot of post regarding melamine. What are the Bad things about it? Has someone's melamine rack warped? Also I've noticed some builds where the heat tape runs individually in each row, others where the heat tape runs continuously from the top down. Now the ones that runs from the top down also have heat on the side tubs any thoughts on this?

[jlcalero]

Bumpp.

[StillBP]

The main reason I don't use melamine is weight. It is really heavy. My rack is PVC but has heat tape running from top to bottom so it heats the sides too but it is far enough away from the tubs that it doesn't increase the temp of the hotspot

[OhhWatALoser]

Melamine is heavy and hard to work with for a lot of people. As far as the heat tape, when they run top to bottom, the side that goes down is outside of the rack, then runs back inside for the next level, it won't heat through the outside of the rack, so there really isn't side heat.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Melamine is VERY heavy and yes it will warp and crack over time, all those reason made me upgrade the racks I built when I first got tarted to expended PVC (lighter, no warping, no cracking and fire resistant)

[redshepherd]

Melamine is SO heavy... that's the top reason why I'm never getting melamine again. LOL

[jlcalero]

Where can I get pvc sheets?

[OhhWatALoser]

Melamine is VERY heavy and yes it will warp and crack over time, all those reason made me upgrade the racks I built when I first got tarted to expended PVC (lighter, no warping, no cracking and fire resistant)

If a rack is taken care of it can last, I know a couple people with 20+ year old melamine racks. However I think there is any doubt PVC is superior and now you can get sheets from home depot for under 60 bucks in some areas... Well worth it over melamine.

[jlcalero]

does anyone have pics of their pvc setup with heat tape

[Lizardlicks]

I have not for the life of me been able to source pvc that thick enough, and in large enough sheets for a reasonable price in my area. if anyone has hints for where how to by in Washington I would appreciate it.