My Ball Python Rack (W/Pictures!)

[DC_Python]

Well here is my rack I have been working on for the last week. It is run by 4" flexwatt heat tape, and controlled by a Helix DBS 1000. The rack holds 7 tubs as you can see, and made from 5/8" melamine. Here is a picture of the rack, not built yet.




The Helix bought from Greg West at www.cornelsworld.com and heat tape arrived.




Well everything is now hooked up. The helix works great, I will not live another day without one. I heat tape is great stuff, and Im glad I had another pair of hands (gf) around to help me out taping it down. The edge banding is now on, makes the rack look much better, not being able to see the wood fibers. Theres not much else to say, If anyone has any questions, post, and I will get back to you.

Here are the pictures of the rack, and how I applied the flexwatt tape,...



The Helix raising the temp to 90.



Next couple pics are how I ran the heat tape, as you can see its a 15 foot strip to run this lil rack.







Usually you get asked what it cost, so I will list what I used and the final cost.

2 sheets melamine. x $25.00 = $50.00
1 50 foot roll(melamine edging)= $8.00
2 Pounds 1 1/2" Screws = $5.00
15 feet Flexwatt Heat Tape = $65.00
1 Helix DBS 1000 = $200.00
1 Roll of electrical Tape= $3.00
1 Roll Foil/Insulation Tape= $5.00
Backing for the rack= Depends what you use. I have some plastic sheets kicking around that im going to use. I dont think i forgot anything. So it all comes to a total of,...... $336.00. Not bad considering it hold 7 snakes, and is run by a Helix.


Thanks for looking!

Dave

[jglass38]

Not bad at all! Looks sharp. How heavy is the bad boy?

[Regal Boids]

$200 is alot for a helix unless you got some accessories(sp) for it!

[DC_Python]

Not bad at all! Looks sharp. How heavy is the bad boy?

Thanks! I like to keep things clean and organized. Its heavy enough that its almost worth taking apart. Thats why the screws are still showing, just incase.

Regal Boids: Its canadian dollars.

[4theSNAKElady]

too bad you're far away, cause i'd have you come over and build me one of those!!

[DC_Python]

too bad you're far away, cause i'd have you come over and build me one of those!!

Yes, thats to bad. Im pretty good with my hands. Its not the first time someone has asked me to build them an aquarium or reptile cage far away.

[4theSNAKElady]

My boyfriend is so not a handyman or anything of that nature......I wish he was. I'm good at small stuff, but not like making stuff like rack systems. Besides, I don't know where they sell melamine..I once asked a guy a Home Depot if they carried it, and he said he'd never heard of it!!

[ARamos8]

I once asked a guy a Home Depot if they carried it, and he said he'd never heard of it!!

That's because home depot calls it Wilsonart Laminate. Give that a try. I had the same problem about a week ago.

DC: Good looking rack. Great work aayyeee...

[xdeus]

Great looking rack, and good job on the edging, too!

My only comment is with the Flexwatt. I've read that you shouldn't lay it on top of the melamine because the trays will eventually wear through the laminate. Supposedly you should router in a 3-inch groove to lay it in so the tub doesn't come in contact with it. I might be wrong, but maybe someone else reading this can confirm that.

[DC_Python]

Great looking rack, and good job on the edging, too!

My only comment is with the Flexwatt. I've read that you shouldn't lay it on top of the melamine because the trays will eventually wear through the laminate. Supposedly you should router in a 3-inch groove to lay it in so the tub doesn't come in contact with it. I might be wrong, but maybe someone else reading this can confirm that.

Thanks guys and gals!

Well I dont think it should be a problem. I have talked and viewed pictures of top breeders racks and they do it the exact same. I also know someone who has done it this (my) way and his racks are 10+ years old.

However, I love your idea, its a little more work, but would make things pretty cool. My only problem with your idea is that the tubs may fall into the hole, and you would have to lift them out as the bottom of the rubbermaids would probably catch, unless you only make the cutout(hole) 1/8" deep. Cool idea none the less, I may just try that out someday.