building plans for a 6-shelf rack

[Ax01]

lol i'm just reading and catching up on DIY threads today!

i'm currently tossing around the idea of building my own 6-shelf adult PVC rack. i based my design on IRIS CB-70 tubs.

i drew up a blueprint in SketchUp, as well as laid out each piece on top of the 4' x 8' x 0.5" PVC sheets i would use for this.

i think your measurements for the shelf height is off. those Iris tubs are probably 6" tall w/ the lid on. besides i think a 1/4" gap is way too big. i would go 1/8 at most and would rather add holes to a tub, rather than having the gap to wide. i would find the actual Iris tub and measure it in person for spot on accuracy.

i'm not sure how i would cut a groove for the heat tape yet, or what size heat tape i should use. i think my current rack's heat tape is maybe 3"(?).

i'll update as i keep thinking about this i guess. any tips, suggestions, questions or anything else would be appreciated!!!

i think 6" heat tape is perfect. Freedom Breeders and ARS Racks use 5in heat panels (heat tape run along metal panels of the same width). i use the rule of 1/3 heat source for tanks and PVC enclosures, etc. whereas racks are more streamlined.

if u really wanna cut a groove for the heat tape, use a router w/ a jig that gives u precise depth and width for the heat tape. or use table saw w/ dado blades. your dad would know. if u wanna snake 1 long piece of heat tape through each shelf, u will need to add cuts to the left and/or right side of each shelf.

happy building!