New Rack......

[zoomin31]

So I got the idea from a friend, I built a new rack from 2" foam insulation. I used 50 qt tubs thay are shorter in length than the 41 qt but are much wider. I built it for my big female pastel and plan on putting other females in there also once they outgrow there 28 qt tubs. I still need to put my flexwatt in and run it for a few days and see how the temps run from there I will decide if I want to put a back piece on it. overall its pretty sturdy for being made of styrofoam. I used 4" screws to hold it together and the black tape I put around the edges was just somthing I did it to keep from having pieces of styrofoam from flaking off all over the place, because it comes in full size sheets and has to be cut down to size. sorry about the crappy cell phone pic.

[BuckeyeBalls]

Now that is different

[ctrlfreq]

In construction applications polystyrene has to be sealed behind another material due to it's classification as "easily ignited". That said, I'm not sure I'd trust heat tape directly on it.

[zoomin31]

I will have to take that into consideration and do a little research...I know a guy been using the same application for a few months with no ill effects or hazards.

[steveboos]

Wow, that looks like a gigantic disaster waiting to happen. I would never put heat tape on that thing for fear of it combusting into flames. Please don't put heat tape on that for your safety and the snakes. Plus it doesn't look that sturdy to me, especially when you consider a female big enough for those tubs and their water bowls are going to weigh 5-7 pounds each.

[BPelizabeth]

hmmmmmmmmm....I am wondering how in the world it will hold up to 2 or 3 big girls in there? Plus won't the styrofoam melt?? Also something worth checking into...I have no clue but I will put this out there. If the styro doesn't melt ....does it emitt any bad fumes when heated? I can tell you my 83 year old mother put a styro plate in the microwave and it was an ugly ugly situation and we left the house with windows open for about an hour.

Just some things to think about.

[zoomin31]

Here is a msds sheet on it I dont see any reason to be worried...like I said my friend has been running this setup up with no issues for him or his snakes.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3603397/Fo...nsulation-2805

[Kaorte]

I know first hand this stuff melts at fairly low temperatures. I would not trust a rack made out of foam to be safe with any type of heating equipment.

I would just cough up a few extra bucks for melamine. Its sturdier and will last a lot longer. it also will not melt..


people also keep their snakes in gigantic enclosures with no heat and they are just fine. Doesn't mean they are keeping them successfully.

[Boanerges]

In all honesty I would not take a chance and do that. Too risky to have a chance of fire or the shelves collapsing. Not at all worth the risks imo. If it could be done safely then it would have been manufactured by some company by now as that would be a very cheap rack to make. My advice is don't chance it. Spend the money and make or buy yourself a good rack. If you do decide to do it then I wish you the best and hope nothing bad happens but I really wish you would reconsider going through with it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do

[zoomin31]

I plan on putting heat tape on the rack and throw some high temps at it, much higher temps than I would ever run with animals. I have about 50 pounds sitting on it and in it right now with no problems at all. its not the money that made me wanna try this it is my dislike for melamine. This rack is fairly light weight and can be moved around with ease. I dont think 94 degrees will hurt this rack, now maybe a open flame would burn it down quickly but then again so would your carpet drapes and whole house.