First Rack Build!

After weeks of research and sparing no expense my father and I built an awesome rack. 6 shelves, 41 qt sterilite tubs. I made my shelves just big enough to hold CB-70 tubs if I should ever want to upgrade. The only thing that remains to add is a melamine skirt and casters for easy moving. And I'm thinking of drilling a hole in front of each shelf to drop in a golf tee for security. Currently testing out the HERPSTAT 1 on this bad boy. Aside from the Herpstat 1 this build only cost about 175$

Solid and clean on the sides and top
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...psc2fce279.jpg

Each shelf notched into the walls for that clean look
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9642845e.jpg

12" wide and 15" long individual pieces of THG heat tape. And a layer of insulated bubble wrap to help trap heat.
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1b675048.jpg

Front view. I still have to add the white melamine edging for the seamless look.
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...psbbc772d2.jpg

All wired together before installing the back piece.
http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...ps348e3709.jpg

Let me know what you think folks. I'm very proud of this build. It was also a great bonding experience for my dad and I.

DIY is the way to go IMHO. Good solid build. Only thing I would add would be to next time use XPVC instead. Much lighter and won't chip like the malamine does. But solid rack and I'm sure it will do just fine for ya.

I would suggest sealing all the cut edges of melamine. Particle board is know to out gas and it is hard to say what the long term effects on reptiles are or will be but it is easier to seal it up now and not worry then worry and do it later.

Unless you bought the new style boards that are free of outgassing.

Looks pretty good to me. I'm considering a very similar build for my first rack very soon. How heavy is that sucker?

If you take a sec and read, it says that I'm going to seal the edges with melamine iron on edging. It also says that they are 41qt sterilite tubs. As for weight I would guess it's somewhere between 70-90lbs. Not unmanageable for one person and very easy to handle for two. There will also be wheels on in the next day or two.

I met inside the dado as well paint or latex caulk. I would fully encapsulate the core every cut edge regardless of the location not just the front and back.


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