Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in making some racks, or modifying some pre bought cheap ones, what is a good wood that isn't extremely heavy like melamine, can be pre bought in a variety of sizes (no tablesaw), and can take some humidity?

I built a rack out of pine. It was about half the weight as melamine, but it is rougher and the tubs didn't slide as well.

I think I've heard of a wood that's lighter than melamine, isn't susceptible to water/humidity, and holds up well. I think it's called plastic HAHAHAHAHA

Honestly, melamine is as good as it gets and there are still a number of issues with melamine (mostly the two you touched on, the weight and the moisture issues). Without sealing something like plywood, it'll be ruined in no time (then you have the issue of using a non-toxic sealer as not to harm the animals inside.

The other option I've seen used is to make a rack out of melamine or plywood and just use a lidded box rather than trying to make a lidless system.

Good luck,
Jason @ Jason's Jungle