Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is my third rack design and I like it the best so far. The first two didn't hold up so well. I have always preferred a top load to a front load rack, but the FBs are a little out of my price range. This only cost about $400 and I am hoping with the hinged plexiglass top that it'll hold the temp and humidity well. If this breeding season goes well I plan to make a couple of these out of ABS. I appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Scott

It looks like you did your homework in thought and design. It looks very nice. Are the individual cages heavy?

Dan

What is it made out of, and what are the dimensions?
Thanks, Bill

Thanks. The cages aren't too heavy. I made them out of 1/2" melamine, and it took 4 4'x8' sheets for the 6 cages with a little left over. The dimensions of the whole rack are 6'x4'x2'and the individual cages are 45.5"x11"x24".
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Scott

Awesome job Scott!!!

I am sure the plans for building that would be very welcome all over!!

Andy
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I wish that I had traken pictures along the way, but here is a link to a really good DIY guide to building melamine enclosures. I basically did the same plan, put rollers on the side, and then built the outside. If you are planning and bdoing your own, I would remind you that need to plan an extra inch in the length to account or the rollers (1/2" on each side), that lead to problems with my second rack design! Also, at 6' tall, the side will bow if there isn't supprot on the back.

For my demensions, here are the demensions of the individual pieces of wood.

1/2" Melamine
6@ 23.5" x 44.5" bottom
6@ 10.5" x 44.5" back
6@ 8" x 44.5" top
6@ 3.5" x 44.5" front bottom
6@ 2.5" x 44.5" front top
12@ 24" x 11" sides

Plexiglass
6@ 6" x 44.5" front
6@ 15.25" x 45.5"

Cage 3/4" Melamine
2@ 24.5" x 48"
2@ 24.5" x 72"
The only reason I did these at 24.5" is because the 4x8 sheet is actually 49x97. I just had it cut in half.

Hope that makes sense.
4'x2' enclosure

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Scott

Those are nice.

Marcus

excellent job with constructing those things. I have only one recommendation and that's to provide more viewing area from the front. I'm wondering if it's possible to shorten the top and bottom pieces that border the Plexiglas with out compromising strength. The more that can be viewed the more enjoyable the cages are to look at in my opinion.