A somewhat unusual "rack" system...

[dboeren]

So it turns out that I already own a small rack system, or at least something that can easily be turned into one.

Salamander audio rack:
http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/pro...5-5125e28270f2

The shelves are infinitely adjustable in height because the "legs" are gigantic 3 foot long bolts and each corner of each shelf has big nuts that you can thread up and down to set the shelf heights exactly where you want them to match any sized tub.

The limitation is that the legs take up some space so the workable area is only about 19"x16". The biggest tubs I've found that will go in here are taller IRIS 32 quart ones (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER) which are 18x14.5, and I think I could fit three levels of these by removing one shelf or do four levels mixing taller and shorter tubs. I can also adjust them over time if my needs change. I think the 32 quart tubs would work for Hognose, most Kingsnakes, Sand Boas, male Ball Pythons, and youngsters of many species as well as Leopard or Fat-Tailed Geckos.

Note that if you know any tubs with bigger floor space that will fit in 19x16 please let me know! The 19" is pretty much a hard limit, and wider and the top of the tub won't fit between the bolts. You could potentially stick out slightly to about 16.25" the other way I think and be OK, you'd just have a little bit of exposed lip.

Just add some heat tape and a thermostat and I'm in business! Yay for reusing stuff you already have and not having to spend money. I have a spare thermostat too.

[DLena]

Creatively wonderful!

[Dezoruba]

You still need to make recessions in the wood for heat tape. That's what makes the different between a shelf (what you have) and a rack system. The heat tape should be lowered down into the shelf so that the tub isn't constantly sliding on top of it.

It's also awfully open, so make sure your room temps are at least 76 degrees or you'll have trouble keeping your ambient temp up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

[audioclass]

Also regarding the openness of that rack, you might want to tape some paper or something on three sides of the tubs to make it feel more secure for the snakes since light will be able to enter from every direction except up and down. Or I guess you could just use opaque tubs.

[dboeren]

Good points. It would be pretty easy to put some sort of cloth over it to cut the light and this may provide some temperature insulation as well. Also, it's in a corner so two sides are closed off from light already and the area it's in is relatively low light already.

What is the problem if tubs contact the heat tape? I wouldn't expect relatively soft plastic to damage it. For something this small, I could also use heat mats instead if that avoids the issue.

Nothing lives there yet and likely won't for a long time - I'm just sort of thinking ahead.

[Craiga 01453]

It wouldn't be too hard to use a router to create the recesses. Also, if more temp regulation is required a simple 3 sided melamine encasement would be easy too.

[DLena]

You don't want the sliding tubs to damage the heat tape or dislodge your probe. You'd. We'd to secure the length of the heat tape and position your probe toward the side, where the heat tape isn't in contact with the bin.

[zina10]

For a Rack such as that I would create "back heat". I built a melamine rack once and that is what I did.

I will NOT have tubs sliding on heat tape, that is just asking for trouble.

So what I would do is cut out a panel that fits to cover the entire back of the rack. Then run a long piece of flexwatt up and down on it. As long as your room isn't extremely cold, and you use a wide enough piece of heat tape, that should give you a adequate "warm side". Then I would also build panels to close the sides. Basically building an "enclosed" rack with back and side panels. You just have to measure and cut right, then screw the panels in.

It will give you safe heat, will insulate and offer privacy. Easier then to "router" channels for the heat tape to sit in. If you make the panels out of melamine it will look nice, too. It will be heavy, though..