what should i use for this

i will be building a rack system to house my snakes.. it will only be 5 32 qt sterilite tubs but i was wondering about materials to use... ill be using flexwatt and a helix thermostat to control the temps but should i use 1/2 plywood or melamine... cost is sort of a concern to me and also care.... can i just cut and use the melamine to do i have to seal it like i would the plywood? cause if a lot more work goes into the plywood then ill prolly just end up using the melamine..... anyways what do you guys think would be best to use?

Personally I would use Melamine for what you are looking to do. It is already sealed except for where you make the cuts (and usually on one edge). Either make sure these exposed edges are pointing out or seal them. The downside to Melamine is it is extrememly heavy (for its size) but with only 5 tubs it shouldn't be that bad. I would put casters on the bottom just so moving it is easier when needed.

How are you going to heat it?

Send some pics our way when done. :)

im going to use a helix thermostat and flexwatt heat tape for the belly heat and that should keep them nice and cozy. yea i was thinking about it some more (im at work so bored haha) and i decided im just going to go with melamine because like you said it is only 5 tubs so it wont be too bad. thanks for the idea of the casters it will make moving it that much easier :) and i will definitely post some pics of the rack when im done with it and ill include some pics of my pride and joy wait i mean my prideS and joyS :snake: