PVC or Melamine

I'm looking to build a rack with medium and large sized tubs and wanted opinions on building material and reasons why. Thanks in advance.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...55#post1251555

Melamine because of the cost; although, I do prefer PVC over melamine.

PVC, forget the cost. I just trashed two melamine rack I build in 05. The wood warps and the tubs wouldn't fit. Over the last two years I had to cut the feet off some of the tubs to make them fit. Then some tubs were to loose in some slots and some were to tight in others. I took a hammer and beat that thing down after I built the PVC racks. Most satisfying thing I have done in a while.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boasandballs

pvc, forget the cost. I just trashed two melamine rack i build in 05. The wood warps and the tubs wouldn't fit. Over the last two years i had to cut the feet off some of the tubs to make them fit. Then some tubs were to loose in some slots and some were to tight in others. I took a hammer and beat that thing down after i built the pvc racks. Most satisfying thing i have done in a while.

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+1

I've build several racks using the EPVC and I far prefer them to the melamine. Their weight is far less, the heat strip is protected but the metal channel, I can control ventilation with out drilling the hell out of my tubs. There also seem to be far less condensation with the EPVC topped racks when a water bowl is tipped or a poop or pee happens.. and for 200.00 I can buy the EPVC for 4 racks as apposed to the 2 racks of melamine.

Depending on the sitaution...Purchasing from a seller PVC all the way!! Melamine costs too much and freight shipping is a pain, depending who you go through...

If you are building your own then melamine would be more economical...I bought 2 melamines from a seller and NEVER will again!!!

So my question is does melamine warp when you have the lids on the tubs? Or is it just when you go "topless"?

Hi,

Since the point of malamine is the plastic covering and it is humidity that causes most warping you should never see it anyway. :confused:

As long as you seal any exposed cut edges it shouldn't be exposed to enough humidity to cause problems.

It may sag however if you are using it over too long a span.


dr del

Just make sure you get thick enough PVC. I bought one rack made from 1/4" PVC, and the levels bow really badly once there's any weight in the tubs. Not too pleased with that one at all compared to the melamine ones I built.