ok i am sorry but the first few responses i received on this thread were not only supportive but helpful in pointing out issues i should take into consideration. i was caught off guard with your post flat out dismissing my plans, and i really couldn't see what the problem was with it.

I do know that I have researched this product quite a bit, and I am not sure if you guys have or not but I have found out that not only is it resistant to fire, but it is also resistant to water, bacteria, fungus, mold, insects, and rodents.

I realize that I cannot make a 100% fire proof rack, I was just trying to build a rack that is as equally fire safe as a professionally built rack. I am on here asking you guys and researching this product endlessly because I DO care about my snakes. I don't expect the company to be able to tell me if their product is safe with snakes I expect them to be able to tell me exactly what chemicals if any are released from their product and in what conditions this release happens (ie what temps). So far I have found out that the chemical that stops a fire is released at 160 degrees but this is with normal use. I expect them to to be able to tell me if this holds true when their product is heated constantly 24/7 to 100 degrees. If the product is not activated until 160 degrees, and no chemicals are released before that point, I really don't see the risk that keeps being mentioned, maybe you can help me out with that. Maybe you see something I don't on the chemical aspect. This is why I am posting, to find out if you see something I don't.

Again I realize that while the rack may be fireproofed, the connections on the heat tape may not be, I understand this, I just don't see how it pertains to me more than the next guy. Isn't this true with ANY rack using heat tape? Or am I missing something?? Does something about this particular set up increase this risk??

Also I am gathering that some of you think the fire retardant may not be necessary, Is it really true that heat tape cannot get hot enough to cause a fire?? Could this work without the heat tape (excluding the humidity factor)?? Would it be safe to use the bookshelf, some heat tape, tubs and a thermostat??

As far as the humidity goes, I know that the wood wouldn't last forever being in a room with 50-60% humidity 24/7 but I don't really expect it to.

I don't want to argue about the cost of rack vs cost of snakes but I really do not appreciate being made out as someone who doesn't give a :cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: about the snakes or their well being. Would I even be on here if I didn't care?? Why wouldn't I just do whatever I want with no research or questions to you guys?? I have one more question...are you honestly telling me that ALL of you, EVERYONE who cares about their snakes, spent more money on the setup than the snakes in it?? I just don't understand this. If an Animal Plastics rack costs around $125 with heat (model 1851(4)) and a decent thermostat costs around $140 for a herpstat 1 (http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html), you are telling me that all the snakes in the theoretical rack cost less than $265???