What do you think of this DIY rack??

[mmfrankford]

I was perusing Youtube and came upon some vids on snake racks. I am really interested in whether this would work, as this would be perfect for me weight wise and cost. Also I have no carpentry skills, but I can alter the shelves like he did. My question is how safe is heat tape on the plastic? The owner of the video is using the aluminum tape under the heat tape, would that keep the plastic from burning or melting ( it's a heavy duty plastic resin shelves from Home Depot, thicker than the tubs). If this works I would design one using the same equipment and get my heat tape preassembled from AP.

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCNs6ZmqzXg&feature=response_watch

 

[Susielea]

I would imagine if the heat tape was on a reliable thermostat, it should work pretty well.

Here's a link "How hot is too hot for plastic", that you might find helpful

 

[mmfrankford]

Thanks. The melting link was helpful. Wow most of those plastics have a melting point of 300 F. The heat tape definitely and thank goodness doesn't go that hot.

 

[bondoron]

I have one setup just like that. One thing to look for when you buy your shelf though. There are three pieces that run across the shelf the long way (the main support) The middle one on mine did not come down as far as the outsides. So the lid could come up enough on the 28qt. steralite tubs for a snake to escape. It was easy to fix though with a 2" piece of plywood.

 

[mmfrankford]

Sorry just noticed your reply. I will be keeping the lids on the tubs. I purchased the same tubs that were in the video. they lock on both ends. And I think I will feel more better with the snakes securely enclosed.

 

[Susielea]

I think what bondoron is saying, is that if the shelf above the tub is not a snug fit across the whole of the lid, then a determined corn may be able to lift the lid enough to squeeze out, even if both ends lock, the middle of the side may be flexible enough to be lifted. And as we all know corns are notorious escape artists

A good solution I found was to use "binder clips" on the long sides for added security, they are cheap and do the job well

 

[bondoron]

I think what bondoron is saying, is that if the shelf above the tub is not a snug fit across the whole of the lid, then a determined corn may be able to lift the lid enough to squeeze out, even if both ends lock, the middle of the side may be flexible enough to be lifted. And as we all know corns are notorious escape artists

Yup that was exactly what I was saying. On the one I have both ends were tight but the middle was not because the piece in the middle did not come down as far as the outside ones.

 

[dave partington]

I used the last set of instructions on this page:
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/cages.shtml
for constructing my racks. I keep a notched shelf (made using a rowder) on hand, unused, for use as a template for future racks.

 

[mmfrankford]

Thanks, now I know what you mean. The binder clips are a good idea.

 

[mmfrankford]

I used the last set of instructions on this page:
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/cages.shtml
for constructing my racks. I keep a notched shelf (made using a rowder) on hand, unused, for use as a template for future racks.

Unfortunately I have no carpentry skills and I live in a one bedroom apartment, sans work area. I had to drive to my parent's house an hour away to cut the posts. I wish I could build my own racks.