New Rack

[MitsuMike]

Well starting to build my new rack and rat rack (maybe) and doing a 7-8 41 qt setup so they can grow into it. All snakes are 400 grams now so I will need to upgrade by the time this rack is done. It won't be to big for males to be in a 41 qt?
I am going to use plywood and 2x4's and was wondering what kind of sealant is recommended (I know water based but brands plz or links)
Also I see alot of guys turning their 41 qts sideways instead of making a deep rack. Why is this?

[theturtlepond]

With a deep rack you can put more next to it but sideways you can put different sizes of tubs and see your animal better. You can try Mogpodge (spelling?) for the sealant.

[MitsuMike]

Oh well I just wondered if there was any reason, but if not I'm going with the deep rack. I'll look into it that sealant. I found some local stuff. Water based sealant for indoor use and it covers up to 200 square feet if not more for like 15 bucks.
How many coats of sealant would I need to put on? I have heard 5-6 any reasoning behind it?

[MitsuMike]

BUmp for proper amount of coats on plywood?

[MitsuMike]

Well went with 19/32 inch hardwood plywood and with a polyurtherene plus black stain. Cut everything to size and now painting it all on. Then this weekend I should be about to put it together and then let it dry out for a few weeks and put in the flexwatt and then put the snakes in. w00t!

[jben]

i've never dealt with plywood but good luck on your project.

[MitsuMike]

i've never dealt with plywood but good luck on your project.

Yea me either but with the cost of melamine verses plywood and how much I hated dealing with melamine before id figure I will just use plywood.

[jben]

how much did you get the plywood for?

[MitsuMike]

how much did you get the plywood for?

16 bucks a 8'x4' sheet. Needed 3 and with the sealant/stain, paintbrush and screws I was out the door around 75 bucks vs melamine would have cost me over a 100 with just wood. haha

[kfuentes]

I just finished putting all the heat in last night on my rack! Check out these plans

http://www.blueappleherps.com/page13/page13.html


I looked at tons of plans and this was the one for me so give it a peep.

Good luck