Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am not a great designer, I am good at constructing though. I am looking for any input on which is the best materials to build a snake rack out of, I have the tubs, but am lacking the heat tape, wood and any other stuff that is needed.

About the heat tape, I understand it is sold in sections, can these sections be cut? And if so do they need to be closed off at the ends? I am building a six level rack does it need a thermostat or reostat for each level or can they be powered of just one? Is it more economical to use regular heat pads?

What type of wood do you recomend, and the thickness?

Any other information you can help me with is great.

I know that i am asking a fairly dumb question but, if I know what all I need then I can build it.
thanks
tony butler

Hi Tony;

I have build several racks and you can use 3/4 inch plywood for it. I painted it with two coats of sealing primer on each side of a shelve and two coats of finish paint.
Some have 2.5 inch heat tape under 15 Qrt tubs, 11 inch heat tape cut in two to get 11x6 heat tape under 28 Qrt Tubs (tape the edges with electrical tape)or 11 inch tape under CB-70 tubs.
All of them have Helix controllers with a night drop cord on a timer.

Hope this helps,

Rob Reiding.

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