1.) I'm planning on using melamine to construct the shelves and either 1x4 boards or strips of melamine on the sides so that the tubs aren't completely inclosed. Which would be better?



Of the two, melamine strips are the much better option, although melamine is not the strongest stuff when ripped narrow. The 1x4 solid wood will expand and contract too much. Don't get me wrong, it can and has been used, I just don't think it's worth the trouble.



I'll add a third option, and thats strips of plywood. Much better choice.



2.) The tubs I am using I will be ordering from www.reptiletubs.com and are the CF750 rubs which measure 17 3/4"W x 28 3/4"L x 9 1/2"H. I was having an issue trying to decide which way to orient the tubs. With the 17 3/4" facing out or so that the 28 3/4" side facing out?



The long/tall tubs are natural more flexible along their long edge. If you make the tub so they slide out width-wise that middle part of the tub might be a security issue for colubrids. It also makes it hard to open the tubs just a bit for reglar maintenance. I make racks so sweater boxes slide in width wise but for longer/taller boxes I like to have them slide in length-wise. Again, either way can and has worked, but I give a slight nod to length-wise (by lengthwise, I mean the 17 & 3/4" end facing out).



3.) One of the biggest conflict I am having is how/where to attack the Flexwatt? If I just attach it to the shelf where the tub will sit on top is that going to cause problems? I read somewhere that sliding the tubs over the heat tape repeatedly will wear the tape out faster. What if I covered it with something, I've heard of it being covered with contact paper...is that safe?



My other thought was to mount it to the side of the rack so that the tub will not actually touch it (the tubs are 9 1/2" tall and I was planning on using 4" heat tape) due to the gap created by the lip. How effective is this type of placement and will the 4" be big enough to properly heat the tubs?



I really don't like to give out advice on how to use flexwatt. With attention to detail it can be used a variety of ways. Since your rack won't have solid sides or a back, I'd give a slight nod to having the heat source underneath the boxes. There are a handful of ways to protect the tape from repeated sliding of the tubs.



Another choice with tall tubs like you're using is to use the Desert Rays Radiant Heat Panels on the bottom of each shelf so the heat radiates downward into the tub. I have not tried this myself but have heard of some who have and have some ideas on how to make it work well.
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6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephala (Javan, mixed colors)



1.1 Philodryas baroni



1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

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