New Project

[mxrider42]

It rained here today so I started my new project. A Rack. At the moment it holds six 27qt tubs. I have enough room for one more level. My big question is about heating it. I am going to get flexwatt and another ranco thermostat for it. Should I go with belly or back heat? And what size flexwatt? My temps in the house are aroung 75.



Hopefully this will be escape proof!!!

Thanks
Trey

[recycling goddess]

belly... belly... belly...

[BD1]

Belly is always best.

[Broseph]

very nice rack. how long did it take you to make it??

[TekWarren]

Another vote for belly. Also if that's plywood the underside of each shelf that acts as the top for a tub should be sealed if its not. I can't really tell from the pics but the moisture from the tubs can be absorbed into the wood possibly breaking down the wood, promoting mold, and/or causing any glues to give off fumes. -worst case scenario but things to consider.

[mxrider42]

I got the wood cut a Lowes. Then stained and sealed the wood. I got the wood and painted it in about 4 hours. then let it dry for a day and put it together in about an hour. I plan to give it at least another week to air out before any snakes will go in. So will one strip of 3" work on each level or should I use 11"? Each level is 17" by 24".Thanks
Trey

[paulnj]

I vote belly heat also and would go with 3 or 4 inch flexwatt so they can choose whether or not to lay on the heat.

I am building my rack in the next week. Can you tell me did you screw the shelves in and are they predrilled?

[mxrider42]

I predrilled the holes then used 1 1/4" drywall screws. So it looks like I am going with belly heat for each level.
Thanks for everyones help!
Trey

[rabernet]

Hey Trey, it looks great! Glad to see you're going with belly heat! Is your avatar the little one that escaped? I don't believe I've heard if you've found her yet or not?

[mxrider42]

The one in my avatar was the one that got out. I found her and she is in the middle of eating a rat pinky at the moment. So everything is going great here.
Thanks
Trey