New Hatchling/Sideways rack

[pavlovk1025]

Ok folks, I am expanding my collection and quickly...so I have to build another rack. Im going to be better about this one as far as pics and it being more of a step by step thing for all to see, even if you dont like the rack. It's designed to house 9 15qt Sterilite or 3 34qt sterilite and 6 15qt or just 3 sideways 34-41qt tubs. I need it to accomadate 3hatchlings(Jul 4th) and 2 females(Wednesday) until my current rack is expanded (pics and thread to follow for that one), and then Im just going to move all my big females into it.
Here is the drawing...



Here are the parts required:

1 4'x8' Sheet melamine to be cut into-
4pc 42x18
1pc 18x22
2 pc 8x22
1 pc 42x22 Pegboard
9' 4" Flexwatt(for hatchlings, Im using 11" for the adults, and that's just a foot sheet on each level)
Screws
Drill

Id say chalk lines and all that, but its pretty basic. I get the wood tomorrrrrow. The black line through the left side is where the wires run through. I might do it on both sides in case I move and the outlets onthe other side. So yeah, it's only just beguuuunn..

[dmaricle]

cool keep pics coming on the process

[likebull1]

Looks like your off to a good start. Cant wait to see it finished

[twh]

looks like a plan,my only concern is the 42" span is going to sag in time.i have built several sideway racks that fit the 41qt. tubs and the shelf has a 35" span using cabinet grade melamine and it still sags a bit.

also the sterilite tubs are somewhat flimsy and tend to bow a bit on the heat side causing them to become slightly taller,to compenstate you need to leave as big of space as possible between the tubs and shelf.hope this helps,have fun!

[pavlovk1025]

cool keep pics coming on the process

Looks like your off to a good start. Cant wait to see it finished

Oh for sure. And thank you.

looks like a plan,my only concern is the 42" span is going to sag in time.i have built several sideway racks that fit the 41qt. tubs and the shelf has a 35" span using cabinet grade melamine and it still sags a bit.

also the sterilite tubs are somewhat flimsy and tend to bow a bit on the heat side causing them to become slightly taller,to compenstate you need to leave as big of space as possible between the tubs and shelf.hope this helps,have fun!

I hope it doesnt sag. If anything it's gonna rest on the tubs, and if not I'll just put divider pieces up inside of it. Change the aesthetics of it a little lol. The measurements are for about 39" worth of tubs side by side for the hatchlings, with 3 extra inches for whatever, so if need be Ill have plenty of room to put 3 3/4" dividers in there. The Sterilities Im using are the 34qts with the locking lids, minus the lids and they seem pretty sturdy. I use them in my other racks and they've been fine so far. I do appreciate your input though.

[pavlovk1025]

Ok I bought the wood today. 1 49x97 sheet of 3/4" melamine. I decided to just spend the little bit of extra money because buying particle board and then sealing it with polyurethane brings the cost up to the same anyway, and it sucks waiting days on end to cure each side of the shelves. I decided to use a 2inch opening on both sides so the wiring can be done on either side. Assembling it tomorrow, pics should be up in the evening. Waiting on the FW and my co-workers bringing the pegboard for the back.

Pieces cut-
4 42"x18"
4 8"x22"
4 7"x18"...these pieces are not required yet but are there as spares to use for spacing and to prevent sagging if necessary

[boost3d05]

looking forward to see the finished product

[pavlovk1025]

Final piece is here. 42x22 pegboard was just put in my trunk my a coworker. Construction begins tomorrow. w00t! Flexwatt will be here on Mondy.

[Purrrfect9]

Just curious, how much did the materials cost you in the end? I'm thinking about building a hatchling rack myself sometime soonish.

[PythonWallace]

Nice plans, but like Tim said, 42" wide is guaranteed to sag. I'd definitely add 1-2 support columns from top to bottom.