Building a rack system

[Lesserlove]

How many of y'all have built your own? Pros and cons? I feel like it would be a fun project but what I am most worried about is getting the heating right (uth or tape?) and am I supposed to use a sealant in the back of the rack? I feel like I could do this. But I want to do it right. This is kinda what I wanted to go off of:
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forum...rack-pics.html

Let me know what y'all think or any advice before I get started (:

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I have

Pros

Saved money when I first started

Cons

Too heavy (used melamine) which made it a pain when we moved and too heavy in general for my liking.
Wood constantly contract and expend
Time consuming

I used heat tape the rack were open so no need for sealant.

Now to me it's about valuing my time, getting something sturdy but yet light which is why I buy PVC racks.

[sorraia]

I built my own rack out of melamine. It fits 14 41qt tubs. I use heat tape and drilled a channel into the shelf for the thermostat probe to fit. Pros include having it designed the way I wanted (dimensions) using the materials I wanted, and cost was lower than a manufactured rack ($100 for supplies to build the rack alone, and another $200 for the heat tape and thermostat). I can only think of one con at the moment: It is one heavy beast of a rack, making it quite immobile. That's ok if you set up the rack where you want it to be, but if you will require being able to move it, building a rack out of melamine may not be a wise idea.

[JDN]

If your a diy'er and you want to try it. Go for it.
Mine cost me 28 bux for a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 melamine. I got all the cuts at home depot for free, your mileage may vary. I built it in my kitchen in a half hour and I have 4 shelfs for 28qt tubs. I have room for another shelf but will have to buy a melamine shelf, another 20 bux or so lol. The sheet is so much better to buy. I didn't put edgeing on it thus far but may in the future. It's not a showpiece so.... The heat tape 4 3" strips at 24", herpstat 1 and power strip was another 200. I may buy a rack in the future and then I'll have a nice shelf/backup rack. Shrug. The best part is if you change your mind your only out the cost of the wood. I say go for it and don't look back