Need some advice on building a rack.

[Step Johns]

I'm not sure if this would be the right section but i will give it a go anyway. So i am planning on building a rack in the near future out of melamine. I am wanting it to hold twelve 41 q steralite tubs, ten or so 28 q steralite tubs, ten 16 q steralite tubs, and at least twenty 6 q steralite tubes... Now my question is, what is the best way to go about building it? Do i buy one of each type of tub i want to use and just basically build around that, or draw everything up and hope my measuring skills are spot on? Also what thickness of melamine should be used since this will have to hold quite a bit of weight?
Thanks for the help.

[musicalKeyes]

Absolutely build around the tubs, because if you're not using lids, then you don't have to worry about measuring them incorrectly. I just built one that has 5 shelves and can hold either 5 41q sterilites or 10 28q sterilites. I think we used 3/4" black melamine. But it seriously weighs over 300 pounds, so getting something up any stairs would be really really difficult.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...d.php?t=119354

[llovelace]

X2

I like your 41qt rack, I will be building one, when I get the room cleaned out, along with a 12 slot 28qt rack.

[Step Johns]

Alright so i think i have everything all figured out, just wanted to run my measurements by everyone. So, it will hold ten 41 quart steralite tubs with the lids, and will have 5 shelves with 2 on each. So the 2 sides will be, 38 1/8"x36". The bottom, top, and 4 shelves will each be, 35 3/4"x 36". And the dividers between the tubs will be 6 1/8"x 36". And there will be a 3" kick board on the bottom. Also will be made out of 3/4" melamine. Sorry if that was confusing, it makes a lot more sense on paper, lol. Any input will be appreciated.

Oh and added a half inch to each tub for a little side to side movement. And there will be a 1/8" gap between the top of the tub and the wood above it. Thanks

[zeke]

Alright so i think i have everything all figured out, just wanted to run my measurements by everyone. So, it will hold ten 41 quart steralite tubs with the lids, and will have 5 shelves with 2 on each. So the 2 sides will be, 38 1/8"x36". The bottom, top, and 4 shelves will each be, 35 3/4"x 36". And the dividers between the tubs will be 6 1/8"x 36". And there will be a 3" kick board on the bottom. Also will be made out of 3/4" melamine. Sorry if that was confusing, it makes a lot more sense on paper, lol. Any input will be appreciated.

Oh and added a half inch to each tub for a little side to side movement. And there will be a 1/8" gap between the top of the tub and the wood above it. Thanks

Sounds like a nice size... is there support in the center at the very bottom? if not sagging may occur. I'm workin on a cage setup for my collection as well and I am using 3/4 Melamine, its great stuff. Post pics when you can..

Cheers

[Step Johns]

Alright so i am hopefully getting the materials to build this today. My next question is about heating, how much of the 11" flexwatt should i use? I was thinking 6" per tub, but would like some expert opinion on the matter. Also, which thermostat would you suggest? And lastly, what should i use for a backing?