Posted by:
chris_harper2
at Thu Sep 2 11:30:38 2004 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by chris_harper2 ]
Lighting racks is a neat idea. I may light my next rack with rope light.
My main concerns are that Pituophis might be stressed by the light intensity or, conversely, if the actual light will be bright enough for there to be any advantage to you as far as looking for uneaten rodents, etc.
The brightness specifications really don't mean very much because it does not tell you much about how the light is dispersed.
A flashlight might be a better choice if you're looking to check on snakes without sliding open the boxes.
There are different types of polypropylene and they vary in rigidity and density. Of all the plastics, polypropylene varies in quality more than any other plastic I've looked at. At least based on my visits to two different distributors.
I'm pretty sure the more dense polypropylene is heavier than a comparable thickness of plywood. The lighter end of the polypropylene products will be comparable, perhaps slightly lighter.
I have seen sheets of 1/2" polypropylene that were warped, very flexible, and heavier than I would expect. I have also seen other polypro products that were perfectly straight and very rigid.
I guess my point is to try to go to a plastic distributor yourself and look at the product.
Aluminum corner channel would work for what you want to do but it is expensive. If you have a way to cut dados that would be beter.
All in all, if you have to order the plastic, I believe expanded PVC is a better choice. You can also order PVC corner angle and solvent weld that to both the cage walls and the shelves, making for an incredibly strong joint.
I believe 1/2" expanded PVC would be strong enough for what you plan to do.
The only other comment I might make is that 40 lbs. of snake, substrate, and water bowl does not make for the best functioning lidless rack system, especially with the plastic feet on the bottom of the CB-110.
I assume you're using a heavy substrate of some sort? Cages might be better than racks for that.
Regardless, plastic racks are often very expensive and much heavier than anticipated. If you want to build your own plastic rack be sure you're doing it for the right reasons.
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RE: Cold Cathode Flourecent Light (CCFL) and Polypropylene. . . . . any good? - chris_harper2, Thu Sep 2 11:30:38 2004