?? About hatchling rack

So we have our first clutch of the season in the incubator and need to get a hatchling rack. I was thinking about getting 2 of the animal plastics economy racks that hold the 15/32 qt tubs and using the 6qt tubs with lids on them. That way if they don't sell I have the space for a grow out rack.
Or I was thinking about just getting dragons4you hatchling racks....what would you do??

I would pick up a V-18 rack. Great for growing out any animals you may want to hold back as well as hatchlings you plan on selling.

I have held back many bp's in a V-18 rack up to 800g+ :gj:

Ok thank you

I'm wondering how many tubs I'm going to need. I have 7 eggs in the incubator and 5 more females that may lay this season....

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

I would pick up a V-18 rack. Great for growing out any animals you may want to hold back as well as hatchlings you plan on selling.

I have held back many bp's in a V-18 rack up to 800g+ :gj:

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This is good advice, but you could have even more options if you went with a rack sized for the short V-35 tubs. 2 V-18 tubs will fit in the space of 1 short V-35 tub. I have adult males and almost breeder sized females in short V-35 tubs. I really like the flexibility of being able to switch between short V-35 tubs and V-18 tubs.

Who makes racks like that

C-serpents

Here Is the v-18 hatchling rack from cserpents next to two 32qt racks
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...0e1a3727e6.jpg

It looks so tiny. Would the 16 tub be enough with 5 possible clutches or should I get 2 of them

5 Potential clutches even at an average of 6 eggs, is 30. So a 16 tub rack isn't going to cut it. Also, you have no idea how long it will take you to sell the animals you don't intend to keep. It may be a better idea to build your own that can accommodate at least 30 hatchling tubs but can be swapped out for larger tubs later, even if they have to go in sideways.

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Originally Posted by aLittleLessButter

Here Is the v-18 hatchling rack from cserpents next to two 32qt racks
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...0e1a3727e6.jpg

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That looks like a standard 6qt shoebox rack? I have one of the same from CSerpents and a few of their V18 racks.

Double stacked V-18 racks (C-Serpents only makes them double wide).

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psf0386555.jpg

6qt. shoebox rack (C-Serpents makes these standard 3 wide).

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psszboudby.jpg

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

Double stacked V-18 racks

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Corey do you use anything to fasten the racks together when stacked or are they pretty stable just stacked on their own?

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

That looks like a standard 6qt shoebox rack? I have one of the same from CSerpents and a few of their V18 racks.

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Opps yup you are right! I meant to say it's the 18 tub v-35 hatchling rack. Yes they are shoebox tubs

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Originally Posted by Thomas Steele

Corey do you use anything to fasten the racks together when stacked or are they pretty stable just stacked on their own?

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Just the stock dowels. Just be careful when moving by yourself that you have a grip on both racks.

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Originally Posted by jesst

I'm wondering how many tubs I'm going to need. I have 7 eggs in the incubator and 5 more females that may lay this season....

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I agree with Corey V18 are a better investment using 6 quarts tubs with lids would get old very fast on feeding day and cleaning day.

I would probably shoot for 60 tubs right of the bat, so you can have room left for this season but can grow slightly into it too.

As far a V18 racks C-Serpents is what I would recommend if you are in a hurry and probably also since you are in Florida, give Chris a call and tell him what you need and I am sure he can build it for you.

Now if you want something like the economy line and are not in any hurry contact Animal Plastic they will build the rack you need based on the tubs you want to use, tell them you want an economy line rack using V18 tubs and tell them how many shelf you want and they will build it for you.

There is a guy selling a 60 tub v18/v35 vision rack that will hold everything and then some. I believe it is a good deal as it comes with 30 v18 tubs and 30 v35 tubs. What are your thoughts on vision racks

I feel like I'm rushing but we will be having eggs hatch starting in April....so I don't really have much time.

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Originally Posted by jesst

There is a guy selling a 60 tub v18/v35 vision rack that will hold everything and then some. I believe it is a good deal as it comes with 30 v18 tubs and 30 v35 tubs. What are your thoughts on vision racks

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I have only seen one Vision rack in person. I did not care for the heat cable. I'd rather have heat tape. Maybe it was an older model, but I'd prefer heat tape.

I cannot find racks with enough vertical height to minimize wasted space, so I have plans drawn up for a 80 tub V18 rack that will cost me $700 with the tubs.

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Originally Posted by jesst

What are your thoughts on vision racks

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Because of the heat cable the heat is very uneven, and those racks are wobbly, I really do not like them.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Because of the heat cable the heat is very uneven, and those racks are wobbly, I really do not like them.

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^^^Same here^^^

Put it this way.....

I was offered a deal on a 10 tub V70 rack last week for $250 and I didn't buy it.

Building is probably the better route. If this is not going to be the only season you breed then you will need hatchling tubs from now until you stop. Keep that in mind, and you may see something(s) you want to keep. Make sure you have accommodations for all of those...

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Originally Posted by Viol8r

Building is probably the better route. If this is not going to be the only season you breed then you will need hatchling tubs from now until you stop. Keep that in mind, and you may see something(s) you want to keep. Make sure you have accommodations for all of those...

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Building is sort of out of the question as I would never use melamine again. Its too heavy to move and I don't like it. I have a c serpents v70 rack that I love and would love to get another c serpents rack, but if I'm looking at 60 tubs I can only imagine what the cost is.
I was looking for a large rack that I will be able to change out tubs to accommodate any snakes as they grow.

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Originally Posted by jesst

I was looking for a large rack that I will be able to change out tubs to accommodate any snakes as they grow.

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With the V18 you only need to types of racks or 3

V18 for hatchlings and juvies than straight to their adult tubs V35 or V70 depending on the sex, no need to transition several times from one rack to another and another which is why they are a better choice.

Just reading through this thread and my opinion is that you might have to buy 2 racks. A smaller rack for your next clutch or 2 let's say a 16 tub v18 rack from cserpents as a temporary solutio. Then order a custom built animal plastics rack that can fit lets say 4 v18 tubs or 2 v35 per shelf and 10 high. You're spending more money but if you aren't willing to build your own and you can't afford to wait the ~3 months it'll take for a custom ap Rack you might have to do this. After everything is said and done you can always sell the first rack to make some money back heck I would even buy it down the line haha but that's just my opinion

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Originally Posted by jesst

Building is sort of out of the question as I would never use melamine again. Its too heavy to move and I don't like it. I have a c serpents v70 rack that I love and would love to get another c serpents rack, but if I'm looking at 60 tubs I can only imagine what the cost is.
I was looking for a large rack that I will be able to change out tubs to accommodate any snakes as they grow.

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C Sepents makes short V-35 tub racks that can hold 8 short V-35 tubs or 16 V-18 tubs. You can buy extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision (I built my own rack and bought the tubs from Vision). Based on what you've said, you might be best off buying 2, 8 tub short V-35 racks and from C Sepents and buying extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision. In a pinch, you could build your own, smaller shoebox rack for any babies above the 32 that the 2 racks from C Sepents can hold. I use a shoebox rack as an overflow rack when I need to and shut it down as soon as I can. This works well for me.

Based on having 7 eggs already, and possibly 5 more females laying, you are looking at around 36 babies (6 eggs per clutch). You can also wholesale normals to local pet stores, or big, online retailers, so you should be able to get your total under 32 fairly easily.

It will be hard to find 1 rack with the nuber of tubs that you want. In talking with Chris from C Sepents, the 1/2 inch thick expanded PVC (XPVC) is too flexible to perform well much wider than 1 short V-35 tub (or 2 V-18 tubs), so that limits how wide the rack can be (also, 3/4 inch thick material is too expensive to be practical he said). 2, 8 short V-35 tub racks stacked on top of each other is a good working height. You can always add additional racks as you need to (or can afford), as long as you can fit this season's babies.

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Originally Posted by Slowcountry Balls

C Sepents makes short V-35 tub racks that can hold 8 short V-35 tubs or 16 V-18 tubs. You can buy extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision (I built my own rack and bought the tubs from Vision). Based on what you've said, you might be best off buying 2, 8 tub short V-35 racks and from C Sepents and buying extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision. In a pinch, you could build your own, smaller shoebox rack for any babies above the 32 that the 2 racks from C Sepents can hold. I use a shoebox rack as an overflow rack when I need to and shut it down as soon as I can. This works well for me.

Based on having 7 eggs already, and possibly 5 more females laying, you are looking at around 36 babies (6 eggs per clutch). You can also wholesale normals to local pet stores, or big, online retailers, so you should be able to get your total under 32 fairly easily.

It will be hard to find 1 rack with the nuber of tubs that you want. In talking with Chris from C Sepents, the 1/2 inch thick expanded PVC (XPVC) is too flexible to perform well much wider than 1 short V-35 tub (or 2 V-18 tubs), so that limits how wide the rack can be (also, 3/4 inch thick material is too expensive to be practical he said). 2, 8 short V-35 tub racks stacked on top of each other is a good working height. You can always add additional racks as you need to (or can afford), as long as you can fit this season's babies.

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C Sepents makes short V-35 tub racks that can hold 8 short V-35 tubs or 16 V-18 tubs. You can buy extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision (I built my own rack and bought the tubs from Vision). Based on what you've said, you might be best off buying 2, 8 tub short V-35 racks and from C Sepents and buying extra V-18 tubs directly from Vision. In a pinch, you could build your own, smaller shoebox rack for any babies above the 32 that the 2 racks from C Sepents can hold. I use a shoebox rack as an overflow rack when I need to and shut it down as soon as I can. This works well for me.

Based on having 7 eggs already, and possibly 5 more females laying, you are looking at around 36 babies (6 eggs per clutch). You can also wholesale normals to local pet stores, or big, online retailers, so you should be able to get your total under 32 fairly easily.

It will be hard to find 1 rack with the nuber of tubs that you want. In talking with Chris from C Sepents, the 1/2 inch thick expanded PVC (XPVC) is too flexible to perform well much wider than 1 short V-35 tub (or 2 V-18 tubs), so that limits how wide the rack can be (also, 3/4 inch thick material is too expensive to be practical he said). 2, 8 short V-35 tub racks stacked on top of each other is a good working height. You can always add additional racks as you need to (or can afford), as long as you can fit this season's babies.

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Thank you [emoji2] I am definitely going to get something along that line.

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Originally Posted by Slowcountry Balls

In talking with Chris from C Sepents, the 1/2 inch thick expanded PVC (XPVC) is too flexible to perform well much wider than 1 short V-35 tub (or 2 V-18 tubs), so that limits how wide the rack can be (also, 3/4 inch thick material is too expensive to be practical he said). 2, 8 short V-35 tub racks stacked on top of each other is a good working height. You can always add additional racks as you need to (or can afford), as long as you can fit this season's babies.

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I have a design drawn up to build a 3 and 4 wide V18 rack with 1/2" XPVC. The support issue for the 4 wide has been addressed with supports in the center of each level from 1/2" XPVC "scrap" from other projects.

I don't see support for a 3 wide V18 rack being an issue at all with 1/2" XPVC when C-Serpents builds V70 racks that are 35" deep with no support in the middle?? A 3000g female and a full 9" or 11" ceramic water bowl weigh far more than a 3-4 wide rack with V18 tubs full of hatchlings. I will likely build a 3 wide with no support and a 4 wide with support for either four V18's or two V35 tubs for grow out racks for my breeder males.

The open area in the center of the side of a C-Serpents V70 rack is 19" and there is no sagging issue. Another 4" (23" wide) will make a 3 wide V18 rack, and I'm sure there will be no issues with support with hatchlings. Just for sizing things up, here are two V18 tubs shown in the center of the side on a C-Serpents V70 rack. The female above the V18 tubs is a 2950g Albino about to ovy with a full 9" ceramic water bowl. She is sitting right over the center of her tub with the water bowl where there is no support:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psjsl5h1jp.jpg

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

I have a design drawn up to build a 3 and 4 wide V18 rack with 1/2" XPVC. The support issue for the 4 wide has been addressed with supports in the center of each level from 1/2" XPVC "scrap" from other projects.

I don't see support for a 3 wide V18 rack being an issue at all with 1/2" XPVC when C-Serpents builds V70 racks that are 35" deep with no support in the middle?? A 3000g female and a full 9" or 11" ceramic water bowl weigh far more than a 3-4 wide rack with V18 tubs full of hatchlings. I will likely build a 3 wide with no support and a 4 wide with support for either four V18's or two V35 tubs for grow out racks for my breeder males.

The open area in the center of the side of a C-Serpents V70 rack is 19" and there is no sagging issue. Another 4" (23" wide) will make a 3 wide V18 rack, and I'm sure there will be no issues with support with hatchlings. Just for sizing things up, here are two V18 tubs shown in the center of the side on a C-Serpents V70 rack. The female above the V18 tubs is a 2950g Albino about to ovy with a full 9" ceramic water bowl. She is sitting right over the center of her tub with the water bowl where there is no support:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psjsl5h1jp.jpg

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Corey,

I was only repeating what Chris tod me when I spoke to him at the Columbia Repticon last July. I agree that a rack out of 1/2 inch XPVC for a width of 3 V-18 tubs shouldn't be a problem. I too had thought about using extra supports for a rack that was capable of 2 short V-35 tubs or 4 V-18 tubs per shelf. I think it will work great for you. I was talking about what could be bought readily built so that there would be no additional cost for a custom build. Let us know how your custom rack turns out, I look forward to some pictures. Based on the pictures of the other stuff you built, I'm sure it will come out looking good.

Im not a fan of the V35 shorts. They are only 3.5" tall which to me isnt enough room for a juvenile BP to get access to water dishes. Id call animal plastics and see the lead time on 1 unit that can accomodate all your needs.

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Originally Posted by BrianDallek

Im not a fan of the V35 shorts. They are only 3.5" tall which to me isnt enough room for a juvenile BP to get access to water dishes. Id call animal plastics and see the lead time on 1 unit that can accomodate all your needs.

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Lead time with animal plastics is over 10 weeks, that is too long for me to wait. I wish the vision racks were built better since it will hold everything I need it to. I will probably go with c serpents or dragons4you. They both make the same rack for the same price.

I just bought my third Dragons4You rack a few weeks ago. They're really well made, I love them!

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Originally Posted by jesst

Lead time with animal plastics is over 10 weeks, that is too long for me to wait. I wish the vision racks were built better since it will hold everything I need it to. I will probably go with c serpents or dragons4you. They both make the same rack for the same price.

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Email Ali at AP before you decide. I was in the same boat needing a rack quickly. They happened to have one that was a cancelled order that I was able to have shipped to me immediately. I had it in 2 days. Waiting on the other 2 I ordered from there now. :)

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Originally Posted by greco

I just bought my third Dragons4You rack a few weeks ago. They're really well made, I love them!

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I looked at this guy before buying AP. The racks looked great! I just wasn't certain as I couldn't find anyone who had dealt with them.

You have to look at the cost basis per tub on any rack you get. About any V18/V35 rack I am building has a cost basis of about $9- $12/tub with heat tape and tubs.

Most all commercial racks have a cost basis of $20- $25/tub. 16 tub V18 rack is $360 with Dragons4you and that does not include heat tape. Thats $22.50 per tub with no heat tape. Ouch!!

Three wide 60 tub V18 rack build in progress. 2 sheets of 1/2" XPVC (19" x 23"- factory cut to size for free)= $196, 60 V18 tubs= $255, heat tape= $100. Misc materials= $50.

Total is $611/60 tubs= $10.18 per tub.

Four wide 80 tub rack comes in at $10.42 per tub.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

You have to look at the cost basis per tub on any rack you get. About any V18/V35 rack I am building has a cost basis of about $9- $12/tub with heat tape and tubs.

Most all commercial racks have a cost basis of $20- $25/tub. 16 tub V18 rack is $360 with Dragons4you and that does not include heat tape. Thats $22.50 per tub with no heat tape. Ouch!!

Three wide 60 tub V18 rack build in progress. 2 sheets of 1/2" XPVC (19" x 23"- factory cut to size for free)= $196, 60 V18 tubs= $255, heat tape= $100. Misc materials= $50.

Total is $611/60 tubs= $10.18 per tub.

Four wide 80 tub rack comes in at $10.42 per tub.

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where do you get your xpvc from? Im looking at a herptasic 15level rack which can hold both v18 and v35 short tubs for 560 shipped with heat, but no tubs. is that a good deal?

Google Piedmont Plastics. They have several locations all over the country.

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Originally Posted by jesst

where do you get your xpvc from? Im looking at a herptasic 15level rack which can hold both v18 and v35 short tubs for 560 shipped with heat, but no tubs. is that a good deal?

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I do not consider $560 without tubs a good deal at all. 30 V18 tubs will cost you over $120. That makes your cost per tub at ~$23 per tub with V18's.....

http://www.lllreptile.com/products/6...ng-plastic-tub

I forgot to mention it holds 45 v18s

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Originally Posted by jesst

I forgot to mention it holds 45 v18s

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OK.... still, 45 V18 tubs will run you ~$200. Add that to the $560 for the rack and you are at $760. That's $16.89 per tub.

Ultimately the decision is yours.

I appreciate all of the help. I went with the herptastic 45 tub rack as I am not capable of building my own. After looking at both dragons4you and Cserpents it seemed like the way to go. I like that it is interchangeable 😃

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

You have to look at the cost basis per tub on any rack you get. About any V18/V35 rack I am building has a cost basis of about $9- $12/tub with heat tape and tubs.

Most all commercial racks have a cost basis of $20- $25/tub. 16 tub V18 rack is $360 with Dragons4you and that does not include heat tape. Thats $22.50 per tub with no heat tape. Ouch!!

Three wide 60 tub V18 rack build in progress. 2 sheets of 1/2" XPVC (19" x 23"- factory cut to size for free)= $196, 60 V18 tubs= $255, heat tape= $100. Misc materials= $50.

Total is $611/60 tubs= $10.18 per tub.

Four wide 80 tub rack comes in at $10.42 per tub.

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Do they also route the shelves to be able to recess the heat tape for you? Am I safe to assume that you're securing the shelves to 2x4s (or similar) like the adult rack I've seen in your pics?

This 60 tub 3 wide V18 rack will have a slot routed in each shelf to recess the heat tape. Base will be 2" x4" construction with all side supports from XPVC "scraps" from my 2nd sheet. 6" wide side supports on the front and back of the sides and 4" supports in the back.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

This 60 tub 3 wide V18 rack will have a slot routed in each shelf to recess the heat tape. Base will be 2" x4" construction with all side supports from XPVC "scraps" from my 2nd sheet. 6" wide side supports on the front and back of the sides and 4" supports in the back.

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Got a cut sheet you can post/send me?

Piedmont has a cut optimizer. I just give them my cuts and they tell me my drops leftover. Their optimizer accounts for blade width and all that junk.

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Originally Posted by coreydelong

Piedmont has a cut optimizer. I just give them my cuts and they tell me my drops leftover. Their optimizer accounts for blade width and all that junk.

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Thanks!

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...d3ad9384df.jpg

Built this rack from melamine. Holds 21 tubs cost was about $45 minus heat. Built it in one morning. This is about the cheapest way to go I think. I have also built them out of XPVC but the cost goes up quite a bit

One note on melamine as i have extensive experience using it. It will not hold up under the humidity needs of a ball python. Even the best melamine will start to bubble after a few months. I have tried different brands from different home stores.
The solution: Clear self adhesive contact paper you find in the cabinet section by other shelf/drawer liners. I have a black melamine rack i built a year ago and before i assembled I covered the underside of each shelf with it and cut around the edge with a razor. The contact paper is still adhered same as day 1 and the shelf is in perfect condition.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

Got a cut sheet you can post/send me?

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I do have cut sheets of the incubator though ;)

I have used my first Melamine rack for over 3 years now. I haven't had any issues with humidity causing bubbling or anything. That being said, I did caulk the seems and I don't leave the edges exposed I put on the edge banding all to help with the humidity because your right. If moisture gets into the particle board your gonna need a new one.


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