Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just wanted to give a HUGE thank you to everyone in this forum! (And a special thank you to Chris Harper and Matt Graybeal for the generous off-forum advice and supplies.)

I just completed my first DIY rack system (Cornsnakes) and the results are wonderful! This little open rack system holds five (5) Sterilte boxes and utilizes a Big Apple Herp Power Proportional Thermostat controlling a single strip of Flexwatt heat tape (3" x 14" per level.

It was SUPER easy to build, and I couldn't have asked for better results! The "hot spot" temperature in this rack system is a SOLID 84.9ºF day or night. (The thermometer reads 84.9ºF everytime I look at it. Of course, the min/max readings show a range from 84.7ºF - 85.1ºF over any 24 hour period. That's still less than a 0.5ºF difference day or night. Not too bad.)

The temperature gradient does fluctuate a bit. The "cool spot" ranges from 70.5ºF - 79.9ºF depending on the time of day. (Of course, the rack is beside the window where the "cool spot" receives direct sunlight. I suspect moving the rack would stabilize the temperature gradient quite a bit. Although I like it beside the window.)

All in all, this new rack system is wonderful!

And I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help, thoughts, and advice from everyone here! So thank you, everyone! =)

(NOTE: An extra special thank you to Chris Harper for the ultimate display of patience as I wavered back and forth in deciding whether to build my own rack system or to buy a commercial rack system. Thank you for drilling it into my nervous skull that a DIY rack system can be customized to perform better than any commercial rack system. You were right all along. And I'm enthusiastically grateful that I followed your sage advice. Thank you again.)

Chris Bianco
(864) 706-7399
cjbianco@charter.net

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mean people suck

>>Thank you for drilling it into my nervous skull that a DIY rack system can be customized to perform better than any commercial rack system.

Did I really say that? Actually, I'm quite impressed with the customability of my Vision rack, but that's another story. I always knew you were a good candidate for a DIY rack.

I hope you let those 2x4's acclimate to the conditions in your herp room. One of my first racks used very nice 2x4's that were stored in an outside lumber yard. I built the rack the same day I picked out the lumber and moved it into my friend's snake room. The 2x4's shrunk and warped a bit in the warm room, making some of the boxes seize. I just had to take the thing apart and re-assemble it, which taught me a valuable lesson. The rack is still in use today, some 10 years later, for what it's worth.

"Did I really say that? Actually, I'm quite impressed with the customability of my Vision rack, but that's another story. I always knew you were a good candidate for a DIY rack."

You actually said (numerous times in various threads) that you could build a rack system just as good if not better than any commercial rack system for a lot less money. (Although you always exempted the metal frame rack systems.) And you also mentioned that each breeder has very different requirements for a rack system depending on specific species, ambiant room temperatures, heating preferences, etc. And that the best rack system for anyone is a customized rack system. So yes. You basically said that.

And I know this rack system is simplistic in design, but it works perfectly. And in the end, that's all that matters.

And I plan on using the same simple design for a new Ball Python rack system. (Although I'm toying with the idea of routering (is that the correct term?) a groove lengthwise into each stud and using a single bolt and washer through each corner of the shelf. This gives me the option to raise or lower the shelves by tiny increments. Just in case Sterilite changes the box dimensions in the future.)

Oh! And I already knew about the temperature effects on the wooden rack systems. I had read all about it in one of your other posts. =)

Thanks again!

Chris
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mean people suck

>>(Although you always exempted the metal frame rack systems.)

Okay, that makes sense.

>>And I plan on using the same simple design for a new Ball Python rack system. (Although I'm toying with the idea of routering (is that the correct term?) a groove lengthwise into each stud and using a single bolt and washer through each corner of the shelf. This gives me the option to raise or lower the shelves by tiny increments. Just in case Sterilite changes the box dimensions in the future.)

That's a neat idea. I like it. I have also built rack levels oversized and shimmed them with various things for other sized boxes. Works great.

One thing you might consider is just cutting strips of decent plywood into 1x4's instead of using 2x4's. I once took a sheet of $28 BB grade birch plywood and ripped it into 1x4's. So a bit over $2 for 1x4's that were much straighter and more dimensionally stable than any 1x4 or 2x4. Also lighter and better looking.

Here's one project I threw together with this approach. This was supposed to be a temporary rack, something I threw together one night for a quarantine. But this thing held together for months and even survived a 700 mile trip in the back of a moving truck. It only came apart after it was submerged underwater during a flood. Even then I had to beat it apart with a hammer.

I believe you have access to a full shop so this is why I mention this.

The birch plywood is a good idea. And the only reason I attempted building my own rack system in the first place is because I do have access to a wide assortment of woodworking machinery and hand tools. (Thank you, step-dad!)

Chris
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mean people suck

>>And I plan on using the same simple design for a new Ball Python rack system.

I thought you were getting out of BP's?

"I thought you were getting out of BP's?"

I am. I still have my original male, though. I'll keep him forever. And I decided to get out late in the season when everyone wants to spend their money on normal females instead of males...even adult PDH Albino Piebalds (100/50). Go figure. Of course, I'm sure the PDHs will sell in the spring. (If I still have them.) I ran into the same problem last year around this time. I couldn't move a single animal at half price. And within the first week of advertising in the Spring I sold every animal at full price. It just happens that way. Who knows?

Either way, my original male needs a new home. And I'd like the extra space just in case. =)

Chris
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mean people suck

Good luck with that. It seems to be a bit of a tricky time to be in the BP market, especially if you have a strict time frame for paying back on an investment. I don't pay that close of attention, but I do pay some. I don't blame you one bit for getting out.

I've actually paid back my initial investment and made some good profit in the BP market. I just don't like all the negative aspects associated with that particular market -- lies, greed, scams, threats, and overall competitive aggression. It's a crazy place. And definitely not for one who embraces the more peaceful Buddha way of life.

To each his own...

Chris
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mean people suck

I'm glad to hear you've made your investment back and are getting our for what appears to be well thought out reasons.

I do worry about the number of people in that market who have never even produced a cornsnake or leopard gecko, much less a BP. I hate to hear about the amount of CC debt these people are racking up. I hope the market and their accrued interest treat them well.

Your rack turned out awesome Chris, nice work man!!
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Sam Craver
Cage Crafters and The Blood Bank

Thanks, Sam! I appreciate it! =)

Chris
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mean people suck

Awsome rack!! You are more than welcome!! Now you will ahve to build a baby rack for the offspring..lol.
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