DIY 41qt Rack build (WARNING! very pic heavy)

Hi, this is my first rack build. It is going in our living room so I wanted it to have a finished look, top storage, wheels, and a way to keep little ones and nosey adults out.

I had a ton of help from forum members on this project. I read many build logs as well. Very few ideas on here are original. I am posting this just to show how I built my rack. The next racks won't have storage. I just wanted my daily use stuff handy.

Supplies:
White Melamine (3 sheets 4' x 8')
White iron-on melamine edging needed 65' so bought two packs of 50'
100 drywall #2 screws and 80 white caps to cover the screw heads
Two electrical cords (lamp cords)
6' THG heat tape
Weather resistant electrical tape
Aluminum tape
6 4qt Sterelite bins
Electrical tape
Sand paper 120 grit
Melamine edge trimmer
4 medium duty locking casters
2 Hinges and 2 spring loaded lid supports
One cupboard door clasp
3 white grommet covers
No more nails glue
Wire holders
8 CDs for spacers

My locking mechanism extras:
One white white shelving bracket (just a bar that runs infront of all the bins)
One drawer lock
wire clasps/holders 2 x 3/4" and 2 for 14 guage romex
1 bracket for shower curtain rod

Step one:
I got Home Depot to do all my cuts and they were actually very close to perfect. They also did not charge me for any cuts! Bonus! That saved my table saw blade and the aggravation of cutting large sheets on a small table saw.

I also cut to notches at the back end of each shelf about 12" apart. This will allow passage for the heat tape wires.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8...3787c24207.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Step 2:
Iron on all edging must be applied to all edges that are going to be exposed. This was a long step. First use an iron (not your wife's lol ) to iron on a piece of edging that is a little longer that the board. Go slow and steady. You want the glue to melt but you don't want to burn the melamine. I used the round edge a large screw driver and rand it down the length of the edging while still warm to really get a good bond. Then leave it sit for 10 minutes to cool. Then use an exacto knife to cut off the ends that hang over. Then use the edge trimmer to cut off the long edges that hang over. Lastly gently sand the edges so they aren't flush and not sharp. Many videos available to learn how to do this step.

Step 3:
Assembly!
Make sure to drill pilot holes before screwing.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8...fa3a66d287.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

I used 3" boards to create a small gap before the first shelf. (I added using2" r8 insulation styrofoam to the bottom of the first shelf after to help protect against the cool floor.)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8...9ee633ce94.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

I used 2 CDs on each corner of the bin to create a gap. This allows room for heat tape and the bin to slide with ease. I also used a chalk line so my screw holes were even. I made the vertical chalk lines first and the horizontal once each shelf was ready after spacing.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8...406b6aa22a.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8...6e20f45397.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr


Cut a groove for thermostat probe using a skill saw and shallow blade depth. I did this to the middle shelf.

I also screwed the casters to the base at this point because it was getting heavy.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8...8d1a349f0a.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Continued until I was done all the shelves
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8...814d83a3f5.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Next I cut and installed boards for the top storage compartment. Also cut out grommet holes for wire passage. Applied iron on tape to edges that were going to be exposed before securing them.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8...ac89d051a3.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8...14065649b0.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8...18a267a80f.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr


Step 4:
Install heat tape.
Cut the 12" heat tape to make six 12" x 12" pieces. There were dots ever 12" so I didn't need to measure. Make sure to cut between the black bars.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8...f3121745ce.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8...3a8539a272.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Next
Secure the thermostat probe in the groove. I hot glued the cord in place and then taped it down.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8...3ea9c02d5d.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

I soldered each piece of heat tape in a parallel circuit. The power cord comes out the bottom. Make sure to tape the edges where you cut as well. I used the instruction found on Reptile Basics web site. http://www.reptilebasics.com/solder-heat-tape

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8...54819d3387.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Tape each piece of heat tape to the shelf with aluminum tape.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8...7a8d915de8.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr


Step 5:
Install the backing.

I cut grommet holes and used no more nails to secure the grommets in place (one top and one bottom). Attached the back.

This is the finished pic with wire holders applied too.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8...00f6d0457b.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Step 6:
Installed locking mechanism to keep young nieces and nephews out.
This little design worked very well. I got the idea of the bar from watching a Ralph David video. I added the lock to the top so it keeps nosy people out as it will be in our living room.

Here is the bottom. I used the smaller metal pieces to creat a small gap between the from of the shelf and the bar. No rubbing then and the bins still can't open to let a snake out.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8...8b2b301d31.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8...24990663f2.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Here is the top. I just cut the shelving bracket bar to size with a hack saw. Then filed the newly cut edge.

The lock was positioned so as it unlocks you can slide the bar up and out of the bottom support. When locked you can't slide the bar up to removed it.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8...d5c39a59d2.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Step 7:
Finishing touches.

Glued a base for the thermostat using No More Nails. Just in case a small spill happens on the shelf it won't run on the t-stat. Also made the wires run nicer through the grommet.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8...ed394795fc.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Added wire holders and tied up excess wire out of the way. Also installed the clasp used on cupboard doors to keep them shut. The spring loaded supports keep the lid up nicely.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8...a55f4a8cd7.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Rack is complete! After I just drilled holes in each bin until humidity was correct.

First build and first time writing a build log. I hope this helps others out there. IMO you can't have enough of these write ups. I learn something new from everyone I read.

Please note. I cannot be held responsible for fires or any other mishaps. This is just how I built mine. If you aren't comfortable with electrical or tools you should buy a professional enclosure or rack. I spent around $300 CAN on this project. If I lived in the US I would have purchased a PVC rack.

Here are some final pics.

(Note:this is not a fully setup tub. Just did this for a pic.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8...4233d26b0f.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8...97becc5975.jpg
Ball Python 41QT Rack Build by j79allen, on Flickr

Great build! I agree, I learn every time someone posts a tutorial. I Pam on doing pretty much the same rack minus the storage and a bit taller for more tubs. I assume that is 11"flexwatt how are you keeping your temps? What is the ambient temp in the room? And lastly, are you using the flexwatt to heat the cage or as a hotspot?

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

Really nice build! Thanks for taking the time to add those screw covers and finish the ends of the melamine :)

You did a really nice job! I bet that thing is super heavy though!

That's a very cool rack :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scooter11

Great build! I agree, I learn every time someone posts a tutorial. I Pam on doing pretty much the same rack minus the storage and a bit taller for more tubs. I assume that is 11"flexwatt how are you keeping your temps? What is the ambient temp in the room? And lastly, are you using the flexwatt to heat the cage or as a hotspot?

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

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Ambients in the room are 72-73. This gives me about 78-80 on cool sides with the lowest bin 77. Warm spots are 89-93. The warm side ambients are better of course. I must admit the big challenge is maintaining the ambient temps. I will have to use an oil filled heater during cooler months if the temps dip. I wish I could have a reptile room but that just isn't possible for me.

I used 12" THG heat tape for belly heat.

It is quite heavy. That is why I wanted locking casters. Two of us had no problem lifting it up a set of stairs accept for grip. I should have added handles.

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

I live in new England and it gets cold here in the winter and heating can be a challenge. I have to use a little extra heat tape to keep the temps up in the winter. Eventually a snake room will be in the fold and I can heat the room with a space heater. But for now, using the heat tape works.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

Well this winter here it hit -55C (-48F) but at least we have a good gas furnace and half decent insulation. The living room did hit 67-68F but I didn't realize that the heating duct for the room was disconnected! I hooked it up now and we just had a -8 night this week. The room was still decent so a space heater will give me the boost I need if I have to next winter.

I was thinking of adding a second strip if heat tape but I think things will work out as is. Time will tell. My main concern was holding enough ambient temps and it is working well right now. I won't get the 85f ambient I here some breeders like to keep. I am happy with 77-80. That is at the extreme cool end. It gets better a couple inches in. Then 80 is held throughout.

A great build! The extra compartment on top is a nice addition.

Top notch job sir....very nicely done. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheSnakeGuy

A great build! The extra compartment on top is a nice addition.

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My favorite feature. My cleaning supplies are kept by the wash sink and this holds my scale (I use a hide flipped upside down to weigh in), temp gun, hemostats, poop bags, hand sanitizer, etc. more things I don't want out in the open or little kids playing with. That is why I didn't use bottom storage. I was going to use bottom storage and keep the tubs higher off the ground and away from the typically cooler floor. Also I could get another tub in this way keeping the same height and weight.