Rack question

I'm going to start a build on a 5 tub rack to fit iris cb70. First question is 1/2 or 3/4 inch melamine or plywood? Also for fitting my tubs for height, do I want to leave a 1/16 of an inch between the top of the tub and the roof for air exchange? I know they should be a tight fit to prevent escape but how tight?

I used 3/4 melamine on mine. As for the gap, I used 1/8 hardboard that I then put on the back to close it up.

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Originally Posted by Zedd

I used 3/4 melamine on mine. As for the gap, I used 1/8 hardboard that I then put on the back to close it up.

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3/4 melamine here too. I just put the lids on the tubs with the handles up to create the gap with my sterilite rack.

What do you think about 3/4 plywood?

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Originally Posted by yeroc1982

What do you think about 3/4 plywood?

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Wouldn't it warp from the humidity? Maybe you could coat it with something to help minimize it.

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Originally Posted by spitzu

Wouldn't it warp from the humidity? Maybe you could coat it with something to help minimize it.

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Im not really sure, kinda why im asking everyone on here.

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Originally Posted by yeroc1982

What do you think about 3/4 plywood?

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The humidity alone is enough to warp plywood, unless you use pressure treated then you have chemical problems.
When I am ready to build my tank enclosure I will he using aspen planks, figure it will be about $200.00 in wood and hold either 3 or 4 20 longs, just dont know how tall I would like it yet.

if You have a good saw use melamine. itll slid smoothly when opening and closing and you wont have to worry about chemical or humidity issues as stated earlier on the board. when u say build on top. what are your plans exactly sounds interesting I was thinking about somthing similar for my boaphile rack but think i might build a base but what your doing is intriguing, would love to see pics