Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since everyone else has posted pictures of there new enclosures, I thought I would post some pics of the rack I finished today.

This is my 10 high sterilite 41qt rack I have been working on for a couple weeks. I had to take a break for a real tough week of work this past week, not to mention I ran out of some supplies.

None the less it is now complete and warming up as I type. It is not the rack of my dreams but it is 10 times better than the previous rack.

As far as cost I am still working the numbers, but I know its below $30 a tub, including tub. As far as weight goes its probally half the weight of a melamine rack of the same size not to mention it used a lot less materials.

A total of one sheet of 3/4" ply and 7 sheets of tileboard gave there lives to make this and my hatchling rack come together. I havn't finished the hatchling rack as of yet. Not bad for 2, 10 high racks.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, and thanks for looking.
Jeremy

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

I finished punching the numbers the rack cost me $29.28 per tub to build including the tub. And the total weight minus animals is 123.5 pds. Not bad for a 10 high rack made of wood. LOL

Like always any questions feel free to ask.
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

I like this design, not only for its efficient use of material but also because you used spacious boxes. I would like some details on the shelves though.

It looks the lip of the plastic box runs under the frame around the tile-board, is this true? If so, does this mean that the space under the tile board is open (not flush with the bottom of the frame around it?)

And if the above is true, are you heating the underside of the shelf?

What did you use for the frame around the tile-board, 1x2s?

>>It looks the lip of the plastic box runs under the frame around the tile-board, is this true?

The box slides between the shelves unlick a hanging style rack. The shelf is lined with tileboard top and bottom and sandwitches a frame work made of 3/4 Ply. The front is a solid piece of pine to make it look nice.

>>If so, does this mean that the space under the tile board is open (not flush with the bottom of the frame around it?)

No, it is identical to the top surface.

>>And if the above is true, are you heating the underside of the shelf?

The top of the shelf is heated (IE the bottom of the tub) a piece of reflectix under the heat tape directs heat up towards the bottom of the tub itself.

>>What did you use for the frame around the tile-board, 1x2s?

The frame work is made of 3/4" ply ripped to 1" width. Its ACX not just cheap ply the vertical side braces are made of BCX.

-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Thanks. So those are framed hollow-core shelves. Great way to do it, and nice job.

The hollow-core shelf idea is a good one. I made a very small rack using a similar technique, but I used pine molding as the frame. I should have used plywood like you did, because solid pine warps too much. My next one might use square extruded aluminum and PVCx (riveted on) for the shelves.

www.herpcages.com makes plastic racks with hollow shelves, with the heat tape running through each shelf. A great idea for a plastic rack. No boxes rubbing on the heater.

looks great. i will deffinately be stealing some aspects for my next rack. let me know how well the heat works through the tile board.

>>Since everyone else has posted pictures of there new enclosures, I thought I would post some pics of the rack I finished today.
>>
>>This is my 10 high sterilite 41qt rack I have been working on for a couple weeks. I had to take a break for a real tough week of work this past week, not to mention I ran out of some supplies.
>>
>>None the less it is now complete and warming up as I type. It is not the rack of my dreams but it is 10 times better than the previous rack.
>>
>>As far as cost I am still working the numbers, but I know its below $30 a tub, including tub. As far as weight goes its probally half the weight of a melamine rack of the same size not to mention it used a lot less materials.
>>
>>A total of one sheet of 3/4" ply and 7 sheets of tileboard gave there lives to make this and my hatchling rack come together. I havn't finished the hatchling rack as of yet. Not bad for 2, 10 high racks.
>>
>>If you have any questions feel free to ask, and thanks for looking.
>>Jeremy
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>-----
>>"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer
>>
>>1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
>>1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
>>0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
>>0.1 Suriname RTB
>>0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
>>1.0 Ball Python
>>1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
>>1.0 Green Iguana
>>1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
>>1.0 Pomeriaian
>>0.3 Catus Terribilis
>>0.1 Spouse

>>looks great. i will deffinately be stealing some aspects for my next rack. let me know how well the heat works through the tile board.

After about an hour warm up the surface of the tileboard was reading over 70*. However, it is currently residing outside the reptile room it was designed for. With a ambient of 68* it not the optimum testing ground. However when I get home tonight I will recheck the temps. If it can kick it in 68* than in the Reptile room (80*)it will be awesome.

Thanks for looking.
Jeremy
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Well after about 8hrs of warm up I took some readings of the new rack at max setting. Keep in mind it is still located in a 68* room. Surface temps on the shelf 97* ambient within the tub 78*. Now heres the weird reading tub floor 107*. Don't know why but it was really high. The rack is now broke in IMO and is being moved to the reptile room today. After another 24hr adjust period. I will begin moving tubs and contents minus the animal for final set up.

Thanks for Looking!
Jeremy
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Surface temps on the shelf 97* ambient within the tub 78*. Now heres the weird reading tub floor 107*. Don't know why but it was really high.

That's the weird thing about radiant heat, you can have something absorbing the heat actually be warmer than the source. Was that 107* temperature localized or spread out over a large area of the floor?

Regardless, I love the rack. Someday I'll build one like that where each level is a home-made radiant heat panel and have the heat generated downwards. That is unless you beat me to it...
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

2.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

4.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

>>That's the weird thing about radiant heat, you can have something absorbing the heat actually be warmer than the source. Was that 107* temperature localized or spread out over a large area of the floor?

Ya I know radient is weird. The surface temps were actually over the source I didn't take readings of the tub floor to the front of the tub I took the ambient.

>>Regardless, I love the rack. Someday I'll build one like that where each level is a home-made radiant heat panel and have the heat generated downwards. That is unless you beat me to it...

Actually I have already begun designing an improved model (don't tell my wife). With your recommendations in mind IE 3mm pvc, radient heat above, and hanging vs sliding.

I tried ever sign maker in Minot and can't get anyone that has it or can get it. This is just a first attempt anyways if I was actually building the next rack I would be more forceful about what I want.

The sliding comprimise was actually that a comprimise it works but is not as secure as a hanging style rack. The Shoe box 1654/1656 rack I also built but have yet to assemble will be built as a lidded rack. A lidless shoe box rack adds no ease IMO. So I will build it with lids. It will make the rack a bit taller but I may comprimise and use 10 shelves instead of 11.

Now that this rack is done and gone through some trials I can isolate the areas of improvement. The radient heat panel built in has great potential. This is not the last we see of this design.

Thanks for the comments.
Jeremy

Noticed the signature Chris, welcome back! LOL
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

i appreciate the update. i am just not sure as to what the most economical material would be for the tops of the shelves. i was at home depot today and saw they had some pretty thin sheets of hardboard. i was wondering if anyone has used that with heat tape. i am a little weary of using heat tape with wood products. additionally i am concerned about the price of using pvc or plastic type material.

>>Well after about 8hrs of warm up I took some readings of the new rack at max setting. Keep in mind it is still located in a 68* room. Surface temps on the shelf 97* ambient within the tub 78*. Now heres the weird reading tub floor 107*. Don't know why but it was really high. The rack is now broke in IMO and is being moved to the reptile room today. After another 24hr adjust period. I will begin moving tubs and contents minus the animal for final set up.
>>
>>Thanks for Looking!
>>Jeremy
>>-----
>>"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer
>>
>>1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
>>1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
>>0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
>>0.1 Suriname RTB
>>0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
>>1.0 Ball Python
>>1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
>>1.0 Green Iguana
>>1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
>>1.0 Pomeriaian
>>0.3 Catus Terribilis
>>0.1 Spouse

>>i appreciate the update.

Thats what why I post in the first place. I figure through my experiments and trial and error I can help those who haven't or shouldn't have to deal with failure.

>>i am just not sure as to what the most economical material would be for the tops of the shelves.

Thats what I was after, I determined the tileboard gave the best surface for the money.

>>i was at home depot today and saw they had some pretty thin sheets of hardboard. i was wondering if anyone has used that with heat tape.

Essentially thats what tileboard is hardboard covered in a plastic thermofused layer.

>>i am a little weary of using heat tape with wood products.

As was I but I used both the tileboard and PVCX in another application for over a year and had no ill effects.

>>additionally i am concerned about the price of using pvc or plastic type material.

Another reason I stuck with the tileboard I wanted cheap price along with light weight. You have to draw the line somewhere.

Jeremy
-----
"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

i knew tile board was just hardboard with some sort of plastic coating, but i had figured that the plastic coating was important. by important i mean important when being used with heat tape.

taking from your experiences, i am going to be using hard board for the skins of my shelves when i construct my rack. as of right now its just a plan, but again i appreciate your shared experiences.

>>>>i appreciate the update.
>>
>>Thats what why I post in the first place. I figure through my experiments and trial and error I can help those who haven't or shouldn't have to deal with failure.
>>
>>>>i am just not sure as to what the most economical material would be for the tops of the shelves.
>>
>>Thats what I was after, I determined the tileboard gave the best surface for the money.
>>
>>>>i was at home depot today and saw they had some pretty thin sheets of hardboard. i was wondering if anyone has used that with heat tape.
>>
>>Essentially thats what tileboard is hardboard covered in a plastic thermofused layer.
>>
>>>>i am a little weary of using heat tape with wood products.
>>
>>As was I but I used both the tileboard and PVCX in another application for over a year and had no ill effects.
>>
>>>>additionally i am concerned about the price of using pvc or plastic type material.
>>
>>
>>Another reason I stuck with the tileboard I wanted cheap price along with light weight. You have to draw the line somewhere.
>>
>>Jeremy
>>-----
>>"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer
>>
>>1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>0.1 Albino RTB -Coming Soon-
>>1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
>>0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's -Coming Soon-
>>2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
>>0.1 Suriname RTB
>>0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
>>1.0 Ball Python
>>1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
>>1.0 Green Iguana
>>1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
>>1.0 Pomeriaian
>>0.3 Catus Terribilis
>>0.1 Spouse