Building a new rack, have a few questions...

Ok. I started on the new rack yesterday (since my wonderful wife bought me a new bp that I have nowhere to keep). I have been working with a design for a while and this was the best that I came up with. I was planning on using some hardware net like EbNs homemade racks (http://www.exoticsbynature.com/boarack.html) to close in the tops of the enclosures. However after reading RDRs journal this week(http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/in...urnal)....open air + drafts = RI ????....I am a bit nervous about using that hardware net. I have also considered using peg board....but I would much rather use the hardware net due to ease of construction and cost. What do you all think??

Each level is suitable for two sizes of tubs....Sterilite 41qt and Sterilite 15qt.

Here are some pics:

http://www.danielhillreptiles.com/Ne...oplargetub.JPG

http://www.danielhillreptiles.com/Ne...older/15qt.JPG

http://www.danielhillreptiles.com/Ne...lder/stack.JPG

Also, I have been trying to figure out a good flexwatt platform on each level. I wanted something thin. I considered using tin....but then I realized I had a bunch of tops from all these plastic tubs so I cut out some to place the flexwatt on. I had fire concern hazards but they will be run off thermostats and I have put heat lamps directly on this type of plastic before and never seen problems...What do you all think about that?

Plastic heat tape platform
http://www.danielhillreptiles.com/Ne...peplatform.JPG

Let me know what you all think overall.

I would think peg-board between the levels would be better, for humidity purposes and because it would give you something to set the Flexwatt on---kill two birds with one stone.

But that's my :twocents:

I'm a huge fan of open air caging and think that the hardware cloth would be fine ... more airflow into the cages moves out ammonia, mold, and mildew.

The "drafts" that Ralph was talking about can certainly be prevented. Keeping an open air cage next to a window or outside door is certainly a recipe for disaster, but if you have a good barrier (air lock) from the outside, they are much better enclosed cages. For most of the year when it's warmer your snakes will benefit (I know mine have) and for the cooler winter months, you just have to "bump up" your diligence and keep those cold air drafts away.

For the heat tape, have you thought about adhering it to the bottom of a strip of tin or aluminum the way freedom breeder makes their heat panels? Then you can put an insulator between the panel and the wood when you attach it ... it's a great system.

-adam

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

For the heat tape, have you thought about adhering it to the bottom of a strip of tin or aluminum the way freedom breeder makes their heat panels? Then you can put an insulator between the panel and the wood when you attach it ... it's a great system.

---

I was thinking of something similar. I have seen that before(thats how I got the idea to use tin), but only once so help me out ;) So they put the heat tape on the bottom of the tin? Would it hurt to put it on the top? What type of 'insulator' would be good? I am trying to think of exactly how theirs is put together so I can get it right.

I found one picture, but it is hard to see what is going on:
http://www.freedombreeder.com/images.../cage9_102.jpg

Thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by daniel1983

I was thinking of something similar. I have seen that before(thats how I got the idea to use tin), but only once so help me out ;) So they put the heat tape on the bottom of the tin? Would it hurt to put it on the top? What type of 'insulator' would be good? I am trying to think of exactly how theirs is put together so I can get it right.

---

On top, the boxes sliding back and forth over it would "rub" it off. My FB boxes are tight on the heat panels.

Velcro is what FB uses ... makes the panels removeable and cloth is a great insulator ... the heat tape shouldn't get much higher than 100 degrees which won't burn the wood ... you just have to make sure it's grounded well.

-adam

So the velcro is attached to the heat tape which is attached to the rack?

Thanks Adam. You know what is funny.....I am getting 1 more bp....but I am building a rack to hold 10 more :devilish:

Wrong....that means you are getting 9 more BPs!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by elevatethis

Wrong....that means you are getting 9 more BPs!

---

FOFLMAO.......I only ended up with 7 more.....ha ha....but give me time, I will have the other two filled ;)