Quote Originally Posted by SatanicIntention View Post
Just from a money-conscious girl's point of view, I feel that the manufactured racks are very cost-prohibitive. I can build a 8-tub 32-qt rack that also holds 2 15qt tubs on each shelf(or one 32qt) for about $100 plus the thermostat. I build them myself, design them how I want them to look, and they are extremely functional. Whereas, if I wanted a manufactured rack that held a few 41qt tubs, it'd be over $400 for a 4-tub rack including heat.. I don't think so. I have better things to spend money on, like my electric bill or snake food.

I built a 6-tub 41qt rack with 11" flexwatt for a little over $120 including tubs and flexwatt. I just recently(like a week ago) took the melamine sides off of it and put 2x4s and a back on it. It heats wonderfully, and the snakes thrive in it(6 big girls). If it gets too cool in the winter, I will pop some 1" insulation board on the sides. No biggie.

If I had actual money for racks, then sure, I would have a ton of FBs and a decked out snake room. But I don't, so I go with functionality, and the snakes sure don't suffer for it(thriving little turds). If plastic wasn't made from oil, racks wouldn't be so damn expensive...
Yeah, I thought long and hard about this for months. I finally decided to just purchase the RBI racks mainly because:

1.) They are profesionally made with fantastic reviews.
2.) I am TERRIBLE at building things.
3.) It will match the rack I already have
4.) they come with 2 3" flexwatt strips built in, and the flexwatt is recessed into the plastic so it does not come in contact with the tub at all (I figure this has got to make it last longer / have fewer issues.)
5.) Don't have to worry about it getting bowed
6.) It does not weigh a rediculous amount of weight
7.) THey weren't really that much more then building them myself
8.) It is easier!!!!

Mike