IKEA snake rack - closet conversion part 1

So in the quest for more rack space I started looking at my closets only to realize the framework for adult racks were right in front of me all along! I had put these wardrobe cabinets in a bunch of years ago and I barely use them. One is 22" wide and the other is 39" wide. Here are some pics of the 22" wide converted into 10 28/32qt slots. the wiring concept is thanks to George of GLK Herp.
This is the 22" wide one
Cabinet before:
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...116_212731.jpg[/IMG]
removed all the hardware, started on shelves, used CD's for spacing
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...116_214615.jpg[/IMG]
because the back is right up against the wall I ran the flexwatt out the side and drilled for the probe
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...116_232804.jpg[/IMG]
I used this Terminal Block strip to make the connections (George's idea, Thanks!) This allows for each shelf to have it's own strip of flexwatt with only one cord to the T-stat and super easy to make all of the connections
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...118_214316.jpg[/IMG]
I know it looks crazy, but it is safe and any single shelf can be easily disconnected for repair (if necessary) or if I only want to run a few shelves. I cut one wire too short so the wiring wasn't as neat looking as I originally planned, but it does go in the closet after all. . .
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...118_222845.jpg[/IMG]
the shelves are installed w/ heat and it's back in the closet
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...119_201753.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...119_201738.jpg[/IMG]
You can see the other cabinet next to it, that's the next project to convert it for 9 slots of 41qt tubs! Gotta dig the green Paisley shirt (I don't wear it but I just can't manage to give it away :P ) Thanks for looking!! Let me know what you think!

That's awesome!!!!

You can also grab a hold of their base model kitchen cabinets that fit the 28qt serilite perfect and you can fit four tubs in each cabinet. Each one will run you about 40 bucks with the shelves. Good looking rack man.

very nice - love the setup..

really like the termal block strip idea. going to have to use that for sure!

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Originally Posted by Lucas339

really like the termal block strip idea. going to have to use that for sure!

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Thanks! That was George's idea and I found it to work great!, I'll give you the same warning he gave me , watch your pairs, and test first on a circuit breaker strip. Common sense stuff but with that much wiring I feel better giving the heads up and passing along the warning. Thanks for the feedback and happy building on your future projects!

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Originally Posted by Steve-J

Thanks! That was George's idea and I found it to work great!, I'll give you the same warning he gave me , watch your pairs, and test first on a circuit breaker strip. Common sense stuff but with that much wiring I feel better giving the heads up and passing along the warning. Thanks for the feedback and happy building on your future projects!

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that wire block things is awesome! i may have to adjust what i did with that idea. I did the same concept just not as neat and clean.

just curious.. where would you get a wardrobe like this? trying to get some ideas to build my first rack.. thanks

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Originally Posted by ball-pythons

just curious.. where would you get a wardrobe like this? trying to get some ideas to build my first rack.. thanks

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This one was the IKEA PAX wardrobe frame, 90 bucks, I already had it,IDLE if UT might just be cheaper to have the melamine cut, but in my case I was re-purposing it. . .

gotcha i liked how it doesnt take up much space width wise.. was cosidering having the melamine cut as well like building one you have in the picture to the right of the wardrobe

That's totally awesome. And I accept your offer of a green paisley shirt.

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Originally Posted by ball-pythons

gotcha i liked how it doesnt take up much space width wise.. was cosidering having the melamine cut as well like building one you have in the picture to the right of the wardrobe

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Here is the thread from the melamine rack http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...new-combo-rack I've since decided that combining the smaller tubs at the top was a bad idea and i'm going to modify it to get an extra shelf of 15/32qt . . .

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Originally Posted by WmHrbst

You can also grab a hold of their base model kitchen cabinets that fit the 28qt serilite perfect and you can fit four tubs in each cabinet. Each one will run you about 40 bucks with the shelves. Good looking rack man.

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This would be perfect for me! I don't suppose you know the model #? I'm on the Ikea website, and there's like...200+ pages of cabinets. XD Are there any modifications needed to make it fit the sterilite tubs, or does it work out of the box like that? :O

Shockbunny here is the base model. Just purchase the frame without the door or brackets and I think it is $35. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S29863489/

It comes in white, or birch with two shelves I believe, and two styles of legs. I buy a set of extra shelves for like $10 or $15 bucks. As far as modifications go it really depends on you. All I do is place one tub at the bottom and put in the set pins place the shelf and so on. One of the shelves you can put on the top and either screw it in or however you want to do it. It's really cool because there are a lot of pre drilled holes so you can move thing around however you like. It fits the 28qt sterilite tubs perfect though. I'll try to get a pic for you later on how the ones I have look like.

Hope that helps out.

Awesome, thanks! :D

nice!

if you want to get some ideas check out my IKEA album on FB......
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...3364798&type=1

Pitoon

That is super cool!!