Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi

I would like to know if anyone have tried to use these for lighting purposes? I'm looking into putting lighting on the Polypropelyne rack that I'm planning to construct. The product is mostly used for computer lighting/accent but since I'm going to be using heat tape heating for my rack, heat provided by the lighht is not an issue since its supposed to not give out heat at all. I will only use this for lighting purposes. Other factors that I think is good is the lifespan of the light(30,000 hrs.) and that it has very low energy consumption. Would 30,000cd/m2 brightness bright enough for caging and racks? Do you guys think it's a good idea? Any hazardous effects from these lights on the reptiles?

Also, would a 1/2 polypropylene sheet be strong enough if cut in 20 x 40 sheets for the rack shelving? I'm worried that it will it sag if the pull of the box is on the longer side(40 in.) but the space in the room requires that design. I'm planning on using the Iris CB-110 underbed box for my large pituophis so I think that, weightwise, it would be around 40 lbs for each box with everything in it. Make note I also use paper pellets for these guys that is a heavier type of bedding(but works really well!) Will I need some supports on the long side of the sheet? I'm thinking those aluminum L-rods(is that the right term?) on the long ends. I will also be doing the rack in a ladder rack method to save on the weight. Btw, how is the polypropylene's weight compared to the same sized AB grade plywood? Any other cheaper suggestions on what type of plastic sheet I can use? I was quoted ~100.00/48x96 sheet and cut to needed size. Is that a good price?

Sorry for all the the questions but I hope you guys can help out. Thanks in advance.

Jonel
Cold Cathode Flourecent Light (CCFL) . . . . . LINK

Lighting racks is a neat idea. I may light my next rack with rope light.

My main concerns are that Pituophis might be stressed by the light intensity or, conversely, if the actual light will be bright enough for there to be any advantage to you as far as looking for uneaten rodents, etc.

The brightness specifications really don't mean very much because it does not tell you much about how the light is dispersed.

A flashlight might be a better choice if you're looking to check on snakes without sliding open the boxes.

There are different types of polypropylene and they vary in rigidity and density. Of all the plastics, polypropylene varies in quality more than any other plastic I've looked at. At least based on my visits to two different distributors.

I'm pretty sure the more dense polypropylene is heavier than a comparable thickness of plywood. The lighter end of the polypropylene products will be comparable, perhaps slightly lighter.

I have seen sheets of 1/2" polypropylene that were warped, very flexible, and heavier than I would expect. I have also seen other polypro products that were perfectly straight and very rigid.

I guess my point is to try to go to a plastic distributor yourself and look at the product.

Aluminum corner channel would work for what you want to do but it is expensive. If you have a way to cut dados that would be beter.

All in all, if you have to order the plastic, I believe expanded PVC is a better choice. You can also order PVC corner angle and solvent weld that to both the cage walls and the shelves, making for an incredibly strong joint.

I believe 1/2" expanded PVC would be strong enough for what you plan to do.

The only other comment I might make is that 40 lbs. of snake, substrate, and water bowl does not make for the best functioning lidless rack system, especially with the plastic feet on the bottom of the CB-110.

I assume you're using a heavy substrate of some sort? Cages might be better than racks for that.

Regardless, plastic racks are often very expensive and much heavier than anticipated. If you want to build your own plastic rack be sure you're doing it for the right reasons.

There is an advantage to polypropylene that I forgot to mention. I'm sure you have already thought of it but I'll mention it anyways.

It often comes in 5'x10' sheets rather than the typical 4'x8'. For the Iris CB-110 this means you could get six shelves cut per sheet.

If you used a product that only came in 4'x8' then you'd be limited to four shelves per sheet. So there would be cost savings to polypro over all other products.

I say this assuming that the CB-110 is more like 19.5" x 39" without the lid (like most other boxes) and that you'll be cutting the plastic with a low-kerf blade.