3rd rackbuild

[diamondlil]

Hey, you're a handy chick. I need one like you around my house.

Hang on, don't you remember this?:rofl:
http://cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44284&highlight=rack+build
This is the shameful result of my DIY 'skills' that my snakes are housed on at the moment! I've read and re-read the how to threads so I could get it right this time! I couldn't possibly do it as bad this time, recognising that while I'm more than willing to have a go at this sort of project, actually taking the time to plan it first is paying dividends.

 

[diamondlil]

I'm honestly thinking about starting a tub rack myself..but I am afraid that the tops of the tub could pop off..How do you guys keep the lids on nice and tight? When I was at wal-mart I saw that some clicked in..but with a little push you can still get the middle part where there were no clips to come up enough for a snake to get out..or is a snake not strong enough to lift the lid? I'm new to the whole tub rack idea...do tubs work without racks or do you need a rack to hold the lids down on the tubs? Sorry for all the questions..

What I've done is build the rack around the tubs, if that makes sense. Each shelf has just enough clearance for the tub to slide in and out but such a small gap that the lids should be impossible for the snakes to force open.
I've been using large bulldog clips to keep tubs lidded, and found that my kingsnake skeeter still managed to force his lid off. (For now he's got bungee ties added so he can't repeat his adventures)

 

[diamondlil]

Today progress has been a little slow, owing to my discovery that the pack of shelving at the back of my shed has different dimensions dunce and the brand I wanted is now discontinued unless I mail-order it directly from the manufacturer in Scotland or one outlet in Liverpool.
I must confess to a bit of cursing taking place at that point. (At myself, not the shelf people)
So then I measured the shelves and worked out what I needed, and sent the boys to a local lumber yard with a shopping list. Eventually they came back, but with plywood for the backing because the lumber yard doesn't stock pegboard.
Made up the top section, which will be bracketed to the bottom once the shelves are in place, otherwise we'd never get them through the door. And then the moment of truth, got a boy to help lift up the top section, and it fits!
I've included a picture of the hideous blister on my finger which has popped, leading to another outburst of bad language.

 

[tricksterpup]

Janine, I just wanted to say you have a very nice Rack.. :bowdown:

 

[diamondlil]

Very Finbarr Saunders! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finbarr_Saunders

 

[Tula_Montage]

Good work lass! I have a couple of those 45ltr tubs too, although I dislike the fact the bottom is not flat and heat isn't distrubuted evenly. However, they are an ideal size for most adult corns are far less expensive and heavy than RUB's. Can't wait to see the finnished result.

 

[diamondlil]

These are the 32 litre ones, the bigger ones never seem to be in stock, I'll probably order them on-line when it's time to upgrade the biggest corns. It is a shame they're not flat, but as long as the very end is on the heat cable they work ok.
I'm pooped now, but might put some of the battening on the back ready for the assembly tomorrow.

 

[Tula_Montage]

Ohhh I thought those were the 45

In any case, I have a couple the same shape as yours as I like the dimentions. The lids freak me out though, im using my medical books and bulldog clips to weigh down Hal's at the moment LOL!

 

[diamondlil]

That's why thistime I'm putting only enough clearance to move the tubs and hopefully not enough for snake-escapes! Skeeter now has bungee cords as well as bulldog clips after his New Year trip around my bedroom!

 

[Jay@PJCReptiles]

Janine, I just wanted to say you have a very nice Rack.. :bowdown:

:grin01: ..... :laugh01: ........ :sidestep:
Jay

 

[diamondlil]

I was trying to figure out how to set up the new rack in my bedroom to get the temperature settings worked out, when there's no extra room in there. Then I had a brainwave and decided the snakes can live in the front room, next to the 'puter.
Cue mutiny in the ranks! The boys started moaning about the plan, saying they didn't want my snakes in the front room. Being the caring mother I am, I told the oldest two they were under no obligation to stay in MY home and were free to leave at any time. If I want whole herds of livestock in MY front room, I will do so. The youngest son's complaints were dealt with by asking where he'd like to keep HIS cockateil, gecko, treefrog and cat if not in MY front room.
So, the rack is set up in the front room, next to the 'puter with some empty tubs for testing conditions. The heating cable's been on from overnight and I've got a nice stable 83/73 gradient at the bottom shelves, 86/75 at the top.
Next stage for today will be moving the snakies in:dancer:

 

[diamondlil]

Okey dokey, snakes in new rack!
My stunning DIY skills haven't let me down, there's a little bit of a design fault. Each tub's lid is held down at the side closest to the upright sides, but not in the middle! Easily solved with some extra bits of wood slid in-between the middle of each shelf and the tubs below

 

[diamondlil]

Whoop! Submitted before adding the pics!

 

[Tula_Montage]

Oh its so tall! I wouldnt be able to reach past the 6th shelf.

 

[diamondlil]

I'm only 5'2", so I'll need a step when I use the top two shelves!:rofl:

 

[Tula_Montage]

LOL I use a wee table to stand on for our biggest rack... its so embarassing.

 

[diamondlil]

Seeing as Nellie, Sundance and Annie have upgraded tub size, I needed more hides. I have had what I consider a brilliant inspiration! I sent a boy to a local carpet shop, and got a big cardboard tube that goes in the middle of a roll of carpet for nothing. A little session with a craft knife, and I've got a stack of new hides!
Please excuse the 'photo quality, mine is playing up so I borrowed one from the boys. Here's the cut tubing and Sundance's tub.

 

[djfreebase]

Nice one Janine.

 

[snakewispera snr]

So when are you available to take orders..I need one but not quite as high as yours...LOL
You made a really nice job of that..

QUESTION- Aren't your boys avid snake collectors?
MIKE

 

[diamondlil]

Thanks Wayne. The giant tubing gives me free, diposable hides, as big as the half log ones that cost £5 or more!