Homemade or Buy Rack ?????

[PolishPython]

I move into my apartment in 2 months so that gives me two months to either build my own rack or buy one.
If I build my own how and what supplies will I need ?
The rack I was lookin to buy is http://www.reptilebasics.com/Iris-Sw...t-p-16197.html what do you all think. Getting a rack so my fiancee wont complain about the tanks and the tanks dont hold much humidity well

[dapike1979]

Use your imagination.. I am sure if you search the site you will find the awnser.. PS.. If I had the money I would just buy the rack but if you are a do it yourselfer go for it build it and they will come.....

[luna13]

i have that rack and i love it

[pliskin]

$270 , ouch that's steep.

here's a couple of pics of the rack I built, nothing fancy but it does the job.




I probably spent less than $80 for everything.

all you need is some 1 1/2" pvc tubing and some plywood.

here's a pic of the display tank I'm making. this one took a while to build but its going to look sweet when I'm finished. I'm thinking I might put my hogg Island boa in it since its a bit big for a BP.

[iCandiBallPythons]

I also have these RBI racks and they are great, But from here on out I will be building my own...The melamine racks I have built will house 4 iris 32qt bins or steralite 28qt. With melamine being so heavy , I only build them 4 high and drill holes for pins to make them stackable. Also all of the rack pieces were cut from 1 piece of 4 x 8 melamine (Home depot will cut it free, I also let them do the cut math, I just put them together) . This is a material list that I purchased to complete this rack design.

The following are the the QTY and size of pieces cut from one 4x8 sheet of melamine..

2Pc. 26 3/4 H x 23 3/4 W (This will be your L and R side pieces)
1Pc. 26 3/4 H x 17 1/2 W (This will be the back piece)
5Pc. 23 3/4 x 16 (These will be your shelves)
1 Box of 8 x 2 screws (The QTY I purchase are 161 count box)
2 packs of iron on melamine edge trim.
8 Ft. of 3 inch 10 Watt heat tape ( One continuous piece ran from first shelf to the bottom shelf. For belly heat)
1 Roll of aluminum tape.

Total Cost just short of $75.00

[BigLu]

If ya got the money spend it and buy a rack with heat and helix....if you scrapin pennies then go to home depot

[pliskin]

originally I was going to use malamine as well , but I decided that 3/4" plywood would be more durable.

the way I made mine allows for expansion if necessary as well, just cut another piece of wood and drop it on top. and since I didn't use any screws I can break mine down pretty fast if I need to move it

[LaFilleClochette]

if you have a place to build one and you have the time, then do that. we built one but it was kinda messy, didn't use the greatest measurements and its prolly the ugliest rack ever, but for now it suits us, and we will be getting an AP rack soon (saved up money for it) but i think building one is a much better deal.

[Lolo76]

I was planning to build a rack, since I needed one that held 3 tub sizes... but after trying to plan it out, and talking with the person who was going to build it for me, it just seemed too complicated. Luckily I was able to find one pre-made that suited my needs, and it should be arriving this week. But hey, if you have the time and abilities, I'd say go ahead and make your own - then it will be exactly as you want.

[matt71915]

i will be building my own rack soon, its a 9 high combo rack, 41 qt is the biggest it will hold. Uses 2 4x8 sheets. I plan on sealing mdf boards which will only cost me 24$ plus tax