:Given that you will need boxes to hold everything mentioned I think it is best if you and your dad build them yourself.



Kool. OK.



:What I would do is build one rack about 24" wide and make it to hold Rubbermaid sweater boxes that slide in width-wise. That way you can use the half or full sized on the same tier.



OK, from the looks of the pic, it sould work beautifully!



:Rubbermaids are best as their slightly lower height allows you to put 7 tiers in a 48" tall rack. Given lumber comes in 48" increments it is a good use of material. Also, the 28 qt. Rubbermaid has changed over the years, but is the least changed sweater box around. I still have one from 1987 and it is within 1/16" in height of the ones I bought last summer.



Sounds good.





:First is the Iris CB-110 box that is about 39" x 17" x 6". There is also and Iris box 33" long if you don't plan to use the rack for your largest specimens.



I like the dementions on the first one, I will try that one.



:So one sweater-box rack and one rack built around one of the larger boxes will fit nicely in that corner given you can't overlap them. Any leftover space can hold a small shelf for supplies - a must in any herp room.



OK. I am making room for storage under the BP "condos" also, and it will be helping to get that bottom cage off the floor, just a simple plywood & 2x4 cabinet. And I get to share the closet LOL.



:I'd build the sweater box rack with 7 tiers and 48" tall. On top of that I'd build a small shoebox rack with the shoebox of your choice.



I think making the sweater box rack and the larger rack a bit shorter and making more shoe boxes would work out better, since there is a possibility to have many hatchlings at the same time.





:I think you could heat these with heat-tape lined vertically up the back. Don't worry about the wiring issues just yet. Also, I doubt you would need a thermostat for each row.



OK, I was worried about spending a TON more $$ on thermostats.



:I'm trying to get away from rack systems myself, but admit that BP's do seem to do well in them. I think they feel more secure feeling they get in the tigher space.



Also I would love to have them all in cages like my BP condos I am working on now, but space is an issue, it is 1 room and I onlt get /2 of it, and it is not a large rtoom to begin with, so I figure space is a necessity, I will have my main BPs in the "condos" and when I get my own place and Herp room, I will have nice cages for all my herps, besides hatchlings that will be for sale, but for now, this is all I can do unless I want to cut myself off at 4 BPs and a couple Leos. (This also answers your last question)



Thanks again Chris, you are always there when I need you the most!
My site (will I ever quit updating?)

[ Hide Replies ]

• Rack System help PLEASE - Krystal19_85, Thu May 15 15:18:05 2003
• Racks are easy - do it yourself. - chris_harper2, Thu May 15 16:10:32 2003
• RE: Racks are easy - do it yourself. - krystal19_85, Thu May 15 17:52:51 2003