Starting New Rack

Any Suggestions
I am starting to build a new rack, most of my 07's are getting up to 500 grams and I want to be ready with the new rack. I am also moving on 14 December So I am just getting everything together so when I move I can just put it together.

1. I need to get 6 pieces of 4'' x 48'' flexwatt pre-wired from Reptile:cens0r:Basics
2. I need to get all my tubs, 18 Sterilite 1756 6.99 each
3. 1 Helix DBS-1000 135.00
4. 9 Pcs 23 3/4 x 48 x 3/4 9.97 each
5. A few odds and ends

All the boards are the same size 9 pieces 23 3/4 x 48 pre-cut Melamine from Home Depot. The Rack will have 6 levels by 3 tubs across for a total of 18 tubs.

Here is the start of building the rack. I have a few Sterilite 1846 in the rack also so it throws thing off, but they will not be used in this project. The best thing about this project is only 1 piece needs to be cut and that will be your back and the man at Home Depot will cut it for free. I am also going to buy the iron on Melimine tape to cover the unfinished edge's.
I will post pick's when I am done, but I thought I would show it for now

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...8/IMG_1234.jpg
I still need to add the top row of tubs. Ops I am also going to put some legs of some type on the bottom ie rollers or large balls.

Thanks Richard

I only have 9 Balls right now so I will have some room to grow

Richard

Just a ? 07's at 500 are they early 07's?

what?!?!?!

I have a young adult het pied male ready for the rack and 3 of my 07 are 421, 411 and 409 with 3 more not far behind. I also have a pair of 07 het albino's that are small 95 and 115 grams. I am also thinking about a 15 quart rack to set on top of the 32 qt rack.


Richard

Looks good. I would recommend putting some vertical supports along the back of the rack. Melamine is HEAVY and a 48" piece only supported on the sides will eventually sag and your fit will be ruined. Several 1x4 along the back going vertically should give enough support to prevent sagging.

Also think about putting casters on it. It will make it a lot easier to move.

I am going to put some casters on the bottom. Do you think that 5 would be good, having the 5th in the center?

Now that Mat mentioned the sag the melamine would have over time I think a thick backing material nailed or screwed every 4 to 6 inches on each level should support the shelf from sagging.

What do you think?

Richard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Halfdawg

I am going to put some casters on the bottom. Do you think that 5 would be good, having the 5th in the center?

Now that Mat mentioned the sag the melamine would have over time I think a thick backing material nailed or screwed every 4 to 6 inches on each level should support the shelf from sagging.

What do you think?

Richard

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I just built a melamine rack similar to yours (couple post down) mine is a little smaller than yours but I used 4 100lb casters and its rock solid. Also I used a piece of maple plywood nailed every 8-10in on the back works great so far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Halfdawg

I am going to put some casters on the bottom. Do you think that 5 would be good, having the 5th in the center?

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To help prevent the sagging of the bottom shelf, I would run two 2x4 along the front and back edge of the rack under the bottom shelf and then put casters in the 2x4. But this might take away some of the aesthetic aspects of it. In that case, I would definately put one in the middle so the bottom shelf isn't stressed too much.

Quote:

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Now that Mat mentioned the sag the melamine would have over time I think a thick backing material nailed or screwed every 4 to 6 inches on each level should support the shelf from sagging.

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It doesn't necessarily have to be thick, just strong. Some 1x4 would be fine; you'd probably only need maybe 4 or 5 evenly spaced along the back - every 4-6 inches would be overkill. But it would be better for it to be too strong than too weak.

There are 2 things that I did not do on my rack, that I would do differently!
1) Caster wheels on bottom. It is a pain to move!
2) back support. Saggy rack = no good.

Hi,

Thanks Jen. Have a think about the angle iron idea to rescue your rack - would mean disassembly but needn't be a huge job.


dr del

Jen
if it ever came down to it, I was at ACE Hardware and they sell Alumium channel 3/4 in that would wrap right around the shelves on the back and the shelves should remain straight.

Richard

Ok The Rack is done. I made it from Melimine and it has 4 inch Flex Watt with a Helix T-Stat. The rack use's 18... 32 Quart Sterilite tubs.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../7/8/Rack1.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../7/8/Rack2.jpg

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../7/8/Rack3.jpg

This is my Male Pastel enjoying himself.
If you have any comments or questions please post.

Thanks Richard

That is a awesome job you've done! Looks very professional, congrats!!

Yes, great job you have done! Are they full already, or are you scheming for some additions? ;)

Well I only have 9 Ball Pythons in it right now with more kids to come for sure. I will have to build one that hold 16 quart tubs next because the 32 quart will be to big for the 08's that I get so i quess I need to start adding up the watts and see what I can build for the 16 qt tubs.

Richard

GREAT JOB on your rack where did you get you 32qt tub I see 28qt ones at walmart but would like to get the 32qt... Thanks

I seen that wal-mart like the 28 qt sterilite tubs but you can generally get the 32 qt tubs at Target.

Also does your 4" heat tape cover enough space for the balls or could you use 11", I plan on copying you rack idea and my copying is a the highest form of compliment & flattery you did a Great Job... Is their any thing you would have done differnt or change??? Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scubaboy

Also does your 4" heat tape cover enough space for the balls or could you use 11", I plan on copying you rack idea and my copying is a the highest form of compliment & flattery you did a Great Job... Is their any thing you would have done differnt or change??? Thanks

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I think that the 4'' heat tape works well for this size tub. I did notice that Sterilite took the 1756 off of there website so I need to get to the store and pick me up some extra's. I think the only thing I would change would be when setting up the spacing in-between the tubs. I used 1/4 piece of mdf cut close to the same size as the shelf. If I did it again I think I would use 3/16 Hardboard. I used 3 dvd's under all the tubs the first time and all the shelves were to tight. I thought the 1/4 was good but the space is just a little too much and the snakes like to rub their nose along the tops of the tubs. I shimmed the bottom fronts of the tubs with round pieces of felt and it works great. If you are going to build one please read all my posts in this thread and ask any questions you want I will try to answer. Also see my other thread, the completed rack. http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=58302