Rack build plans

H

hondawingsfly

Guest
im going to be building my first rack so ive done a little research and i really like what ssscales did, his racks look really nice and clean http://www.geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=26131 so i went to my plastic suplier today and the sheet is going to cost $80 and should make this rack easy. after doing that i stopped into wal-mart and grabbed a few rubbermaids to get my measurements exact for the plastic cuts. i got 31qt's for adults/pairs and 6.5qt for the hatchlings. i was thinking 4 of each so 4 big ones and 12 little on one rack. do you guys think thats a good amount or should i do more babies? well heres something a made in paint and some pics of the rubbermaids and suggestions would be appreciated

rackplan.jpg


IMG_0839.jpg


IMG_0840.jpg
 
H

hondawingsfly

Guest
i forgot to mention i was thinking about taping the bottom of the bottom shelf with insulating tape and putting 4 locking wheels on the rack. i have read that the bin on the bottom shelf is usually quite a bit cooler than the rest of the bins in the rack so i figured maybe insulating the bottom and getting the rack up off the floor so i has a little pocket of air under it might help with the heat dispersion.
 
ssscales

ssscales

New Leopard Gecko fan!
Messages
271
Location
So FL.
Sorry I haven't replied sooner. Just got back from Daytona....:D

As I mentioned on the other thread $80.00 is too high IMO for 6MM XPVC. But, if they are the only supplier for you in the state...not much you can do. You might also want to ask what type or brand of XPVC are they selling you? Some cost more than others and it's the same exact thing!

As for the spacers, I use 1/16" spacers between the tubs and top shelf before screwing them in. This way I have a 1/16" gap between the tub top and shelf, but it's usually a bit less. The tubs slide in/out smoothly yet no room for escapees!...:D
 
bohannbj

bohannbj

REEF AND REPTILES
Messages
228
Location
VA
Sorry I couldn't pull up the picture, but I have another suggestion if your up for some work. I built my racks with standard MDF and 2x4 s, but the fun part is that I made all of the boxes out of acrylic. It sounds expensive but you can check out your local glass cutter and they might have scraps you can buy for cheap. Josh Frogs has the cheapest latches, hinges, and welding glue. Learning how to cut straight is the hardest part but my females are in acrylic boxes that measure around 20" x 12" x (8" or 6") and the total cost is around $6 each. If you want more details or tips just pm me. I find it so much more fun having them in acrylic.
Brent
 
bohannbj

bohannbj

REEF AND REPTILES
Messages
228
Location
VA
Here are the pic I took tonight for you. I built the racks in less than an hour so they are pitifull, but the cases look good. I can tell you how to make a nicer rack if your interested, and give some tips on cutting the acrylic.
 
Last edited:
H

hondawingsfly

Guest
wow those are really awesome, the acrlyic looks really nice, i was kinda thinkin bout getting the xpc plastic and building more like a frame that the arylics cages could slide into because i called the plastics dealer and ill have to get 2 sheets of xpvc to make it how i want it, how many sheets of arylic did it take to make that setup? i could prolly have the acrylic all pre cut too cause i have cut some acrylic and sometimes its not perfect, i was scoring it and breaking it
 
ssscales

ssscales

New Leopard Gecko fan!
Messages
271
Location
So FL.
I like the acrylics for display set ups and those look great!!!!

But, IMO it kind of defeats the purpose of a rack system. The purpose of the rack system IMO is for ease and speed of clean up and maintenance, the lightweight and lidless tubs, maximizing use of space. Having all those acrylic cages would be like having a lot of tanks with tops and locks IMO.

They do look great though and I would be interested to see some DIY info for display cases....:main_thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Visit our friends

Top