Build or Purchase: Rack System?

I would suggest building out of plywood finished of course, it will stand the test of time against humidity. Or if you use melamine I would paint it to help it with humidity.

I will likely end up building a rack, I have the tools and the know how to build something on the cheap.

And not only save a few bucks but make something a little more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ExotixTowing

I would suggest building out of plywood finished of course, it will stand the test of time against humidity. Or if you use melamine I would paint it to help it with humidity.

I will likely end up building a rack, I have the tools and the know how to build something on the cheap.

And not only save a few bucks but make something a little more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

---

Theres no need to paint the melamine. The coating on it prevents humidity from warping it. Eventually your rack may start to bow in the middle if its too wide without support.
Also ive read somewhere melamine is fire retardent. Like it cannot catch on fire by itself. Im not positive on that though...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Theres no need to paint the melamine. The coating on it prevents humidity from warping it. Eventually your rack may start to bow in the middle if its too wide without support.
Also ive read somewhere melamine is fire retardent. Like it cannot catch on fire by itself. Im not positive on that though...

---

It burns lol.

I just never use it anywhere there might be water or moisture.

It's a personal choice I guess

I've owned several types of racks, Animal plastics, Reptile Basics, HerpEnclosures, Etc. Now, I own ARS racks. If I had to start all over again, I'd go straight to ARS. Since switching, my breeding rates are better and my cleaning time has decreased. In addition, they do not sag or wear out and provide a good thermal gradient. They will last the life of the snake. So, for around $100 per snake, I find them to be a good value.

I still use Reptile Basics for baby racks, but plan to upgrade those in a few years.

Check out this DIY rack article.

http://ssscales.com/archives/290

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Don

I've owned several types of racks, Animal plastics, Reptile Basics, HerpEnclosures, Etc. Now, I own ARS racks. If I had to start all over again, I'd go straight to ARS. Since switching, my breeding rates are better and my cleaning time has decreased. In addition, they do not sag or wear out and provide a good thermal gradient. They will last the life of the snake. So, for around $100 per snake, I find them to be a good value.

I still use Reptile Basics for baby racks, but plan to upgrade those in a few years.

---

My only complaint about ARS is it doesnt give the option to only buy the rack with tubs. Or at least i cant find it on the site?
Like i would rather wire the heat and use the t-stat i already have...
Their tubs with the windows look really sweet though, i like the look of them alot!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ExotixTowing

It burns lol.

I just never use it anywhere there might be water or moisture.

It's a personal choice I guess

---

Agreed, fair enough :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Check out this DIY rack article.

http://ssscales.com/archives/290

---

I just ordered a Xpvc sheet cut to house 8 15qt rubbermaids, based on these plans just different measurements. I got blue tinted ones figured it would give more security. I plan on running 2 feet of 11" flexwatt on the back to heat it. I'll let you guys know how the build goes!

I've built several racks (pictures are somewhere on here), and after the last one, I stated "never build again"; I got my hatchling rack last week from C Serpents Reptiles and Racks. I got an 18 slot hatchling rack with heattape already installed, and tubs; $265 TOTAL shipped to my house. Love it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mikeandsheleen

I've built several racks (pictures are somewhere on here), and after the last one, I stated "never build again"; I got my hatchling rack last week from C Serpents Reptiles and Racks. I got an 18 slot hatchling rack with heattape already installed, and tubs; $265 TOTAL shipped to my house. Love it!

---

Why dont you ever wanna build again?
And is there a website for C Serpents? I only see their facebook page...