Hi Randy,



I like that simple design but there is some detail I cannot make out from the photo.



You say that is an all-in-one unit which I assume means the floor of an upper cage is the ceiling of the cage below, and so on, and so on.



Do you have one-piece sides and extend the horizontal panels inbetween or do you have multiple side pieces that span between the floors/ceilings?



From your picture it looks like the latter. If so, why? I assume the other way would be easier.

On this one I used separate side pieces per level (since I didn't have a table saw to use at the time I went the simplest route with it, and the pre cut 2x11 3/4" shelves were the easiest route without cutting to size end pieces)







...and if the seams are sealed will not have any issues from moisture.(bci are the main animals I keep)



What is your source of melamine? I have bought several different grades over the years and found it to vary dramatically in moisture resistance and how it reacts to disinfectants.



Any more I just buy the cheap stuff and cover it with contact paper, but I'm always curious to hear what product people have used and how well it has held up.

I mainly use the melamine I pick up from Home Depot, it is almost always in stock, and out of 10 racks and enclosures I have only had 1 swell issue in the past (and that was my fault for not sealing that one properly along the edges)

I use mild soap and water usually to clean the melamine (I want to try out that nolvasan, yet to use it as I haven't really needed it)

... I do not have the plastic along the back covering the peg board yet



I assume you mean a strip of plastic covering the lowest holes on the peg board, is that correct? What do you use for that?



Are you using plastic peg board?

I install a 2" strip of .100 thick expanded pvc along the back and usually along the entire inside bottom (to cover the flexwatt I lay down inside the enclosure) And it also makes clean up really easy..



... or the heat tape installed in it yet)



Do you install this on the underside of each floor or to the floor itself?



I install the flexwatt inside on top of the floor piece. With a thermostat controlling the heat tape and plastic covering it I haven't had any issues with it going this route.. I did debate the cut away technique you have posted many times (which is a great way to install heat tape and avoid heat build up)
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Randall L Turner Jr.

www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

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