Re: building plans for a 6-shelf rack
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Aedryan Methyus
This will definitely be nice. Melamine is much cheaper, but also much heavier and a little more difficult to work with than PVC. Keep in mind, Lowes will cut all of the pieces out for you right at the store, which saves a lot of trouble. That way all you have to do is load up the pieces and take them home and assemble them. I would definitely recommend 12" heat tape for adults, though. Heat tape should cover about 1/3 of the tubs...
Yeah, you are right, my tubs are positioned with the tape across the length of the tub, so 6" ends up being ⅓ of tub bottom width. The vast majority of tubs are positioned with the tape across the width of the tub, so 12" would be better in this case. My bad, I was thinking egocentrically about my rack, and not about her rack dimensions.
Re: building plans for a 6-shelf rack
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Godzilla78
Yeah, you are right, my tubs are positioned with the tape across the length of the tub, so 6" ends up being ⅓ of tub bottom width. The vast majority of tubs are positioned with the tape across the width of the tub, so 12" would be better in this case. My bad, I was thinking egocentrically about my rack, and not about her rack dimensions.
no worries!!! i appreciate all input. [emoji4]
everyone's layouts are different so these mix-ups do help those of us who don't know better.
no egos here. [emoji14]
Re: building plans for a 6-shelf rack
lol i'm just reading and catching up on DIY threads today!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tttaylorrr
i think your measurements for the shelf height is off. those Iris tubs are probably 6" tall w/ the lid on. besides i think a 1/4" gap is way too big. i would go 1/8 at most and would rather add holes to a tub, rather than having the gap to wide. i would find the actual Iris tub and measure it in person for spot on accuracy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tttaylorrr
i'm not sure how i would cut a groove for the heat tape yet, or what size heat tape i should use. i think my current rack's heat tape is maybe 3"(?).
i'll update as i keep thinking about this i guess. any tips, suggestions, questions or anything else would be appreciated!!!
i think 6" heat tape is perfect. Freedom Breeders and ARS Racks use 5in heat panels (heat tape run along metal panels of the same width). i use the rule of 1/3 heat source for tanks and PVC enclosures, etc. whereas racks are more streamlined.
if u really wanna cut a groove for the heat tape, use a router w/ a jig that gives u precise depth and width for the heat tape. or use table saw w/ dado blades. your dad would know. if u wanna snake 1 long piece of heat tape through each shelf, u will need to add cuts to the left and/or right side of each shelf.
happy building!
Re: building plans for a 6-shelf rack
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ax01
i think your measurements for the shelf height is off. those Iris tubs are probably 6" tall w/ the lid on. besides i think a 1/4" gap is way too big. i would go 1/8 at most and would rather add holes to a tub, rather than having the gap to wide. i would find the actual Iris tub and measure it in person for spot on accuracy.
very good points. i should get my hands on the tub i wana use; good idea.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ax01
if u really wanna cut a groove for the heat tape, use a router w/ a jig that gives u precise depth and width for the heat tape. or use table saw w/ dado blades. your dad would know. if u wanna snake 1 long piece of heat tape through each shelf, u will need to add cuts to the left and/or right side of each shelf.
my dad's buddy has a table saw that we can probably use, and my dad would most likely be making the cuts hahaha. and i totally forgot about the cuts for the heat tape; DOH! thank you for reminding me!
back to the drawing board!
