Simple Rack

From all the posts on here I came up with this. It is very simple and was very cheap to build but it is very sturdy and will work for years to come. I have the flexwatt on the way as well as a thermostat and tubs. It is for 32 quart tubs and will hold 9 of them. I planned on ten tubs but that takes another shelf and a sheet of plywood can only make 10 of the shelves (I forgot about the top lid shelf). Also if I would have added the last shelf my girlfriend wouldn't have been able to see in. LOL

I know the tubs are going to need ventilation holes in the side. I got this idea off the plan that is on here that has the red background, so I am going to make the holes the same way he did on there.

I built this in the living room of my 1 bedroom apartment. I had the plywood cut by lowes and used a hand saw to cut the 1X2 and the 1X4.

Oh well let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1/DSC05322.JPG

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https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1/DSC05319.JPG

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...1/DSC05318.JPG

Looks great! Simple and effective.

Looks make sure you seal the wood that will come in direct contact with humidity from the tubs (the underside of each shelf). If you don't you run the risk of the wood sucking out all the moisture causing humidity issues in your tubs, as well as a good base for mold growth.

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Originally Posted by TekWarren

Looks make sure you seal the wood that will come in direct contact with humidity from the tubs (the underside of each shelf). If you don't you run the risk of the wood sucking out all the moisture causing humidity issues in your tubs, as well as a good base for mold growth.

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Good point. I wonder if using something like contac paper to line the wood might work. It'd be easier than sealing plus not take as long as with sealing wood for reptiles you really have to make sure its fully cured.

Thanks but I plan on painting it with a coat of semigloss paint, and I have a little time I am waiting on the flexwatt and thermostat to get here

coool good job

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TekWarren

Looks make sure you seal the wood that will come in direct contact with humidity from the tubs (the underside of each shelf). If you don't you run the risk of the wood sucking out all the moisture causing humidity issues in your tubs, as well as a good base for mold growth.

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I would like to build something similar but i think im going to use the lids too just keep all my humidity inside the tub and so i wont have to worry about moldy wood.

Be very careful what paint you are choosing. If it where me I wouldn't use paint, just make sure you are reading the labels for what chemicals are used. I have used water based polyurethane before with no problems.

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Originally Posted by shag

I would like to build something similar but i think im going to use the lids too just keep all my humidity inside the tub and so i wont have to worry about moldy wood.

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Thats exactly what I do. I use lids on all my tubs. My rack looks alot like this one. There are a few exceptions but all in all its pretty close. I used 2" x 3" for the 4 side posts, 1" x 2" for the side rungs(holds the shelves) and 3/4" MDF for the shelves. I also used 1/4" luan for the back. Its not necessary but it does add stability. I've found it that MDF is much straighter and stronger than any other sheet good out there. It cuts really great. This is a very inexpensive and effective rack build.

Nice job! It's very clean looking and practicle. Now you just need to fill it with snakes!! ^_^

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Originally Posted by shag

I would like to build something similar but i think im going to use the lids too just keep all my humidity inside the tub and so i wont have to worry about moldy wood.

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The only reason I don't do this is for the ease of just sliding out the rack and then doing whatever I need to do. For instance, if I'm changing water, I can just slide it out enough to get the water bowl out. Where as if you have the lid on, you have to take it all the way out.

Maybe I'm just lazy, but I think it's a lot easier to just slide them out as far as you need to with out having to take them out every time. Just my 2¢.