built new rack *pics*

[hondawingsfly]

i finally built my rack i just have to wire my heat tape between the shelves. i built it a lot like ssscales rack , i used the same plastic and had it cut and put it together. heres some pics, ill take one once i wire it too.

this was right after i put the heat tape on it, after that i added a back brace and wheels

here is with the wheels on and tubs on it, i am just using it for storage until i get the tape wired and hook up the thermostat

 

[yellermelon]

Congrats yours turned out much nicer than mine. I got overcharged real bad, and paid 150 for 2 sheets of 1/4" material. It was kinda a pain to work with, and hard to cut evenly. Next time Im gonna get the 1/2". However I think I will get some 1/4 for a hatchling rack lol. Looks great again BTW!

 

[hondawingsfly]

i was thinking about 1/4" inch but i was afraid the shelves would bow in the middle also the guy tried to charge me more but when i started questioning it the plastic got $20 cheaper. i solidered the wires for the rack today and pluged it in it heats up like instantly, now to the hydro shop tomorrow to pick up a thermostat and ill start putting geckos in it.

 

[ssscales]

Looks great, like I said with these suppliers you have to question them!!!
Don't just take what some guy on the phone tells you if it sounds off.

Sometimes it's the lone sales rep that is trying to overcharge you and get a higher commission! Sometimes it's really about supply and demand, if you only have one supplier in your state and a limited amount of supplies, they may feel they can charge what they want Vs if you have 2-3-4 choices in your area to buy from! I've found and heard the SAME EXACT material ranging from as low as $75 a sheet to as high as $150 a sheet!...Twice the price!

Do your homework, shop around, ask questions and negotiate! You'd be surprised what a few simple words on the phone may save you....:main_thumbsup:

 

[MagicalGecko]

I gotta say, nice strategically placed iphone box in the picture!

 

[nats]

Very nice and neat! :main_yes:

Do you cover the tubs with anything?

What brand of heat tape did you use?

 

[ssscales]

Very nice and neat! :main_yes:

Do you cover the tubs with anything?

What brand of heat tape did you use?

The top shelf acts as a top for the tubs in the bottom shelf. No lids needed and makes for quicker cleaning, feeding and just viewing.

 

[Bling_my_leo]

That's cool. Very simple and easy! I can't wait to see all those tubs stocked full of leos!

 

[Corinthia]

nice iphone box! lol.. Love the racks too.

 

[hondawingsfly]

thanks haha, the iphone box was out cause im unpacking stuff at my new house...i do love my iphone tho uhm heat tape was i dunno says cranberry highway on it... you can buy it online per foot or at a reptile expo (thats where i got mine). i ordered a johnson control themostat today should be here in 3 days then i will have some geckos in it

 

[Nigel4less]

Very nice Rack, perhaps you could post the dimensions on the rack along with the tubs you used? I really enjoy the basic design, but it seems very functional.

 

[hondawingsfly]

Very nice Rack, perhaps you could post the dimensions on the rack along with the tubs you used? I really enjoy the basic design, but it seems very functional.

here is the plan i made when i was thinking of building it, i had to make it smaller (only 7 shelfs) to fit it on one peice of pvc. i got the rubbermaids from walmart, i got 12 6.5qts and 3 31qts ill post a pic of those too. if you are trying to build one exactly like it i can give you the final dimensions that i used to fit it on the one peice of pvc. the rack wasnt wired when i posted it, it is now ill take pics of it if you want to see.

heres the rack plans that i made in mspaint lol

and heres the tubs

 

[liljenn]

That is a very nice rack you built!! Looks so professional!

The only problem with that design (for me, anyway) is that the open sides & back allows the heat to escape. In the winter my house is 68 degrees & the open rack doesn't stay warm for me. :main_no:

 

[ssscales]

That is a very nice rack you built!! Looks so professional!

The only problem with that design (for me, anyway) is that the open sides & back allows the heat to escape. In the winter my house is 68 degrees & the open rack doesn't stay warm for me. :main_no:

You can always sacrifice 1-2 shelves and close the sides and back or purchase two sheets and make the rack larger with possibly 10-12 shelves and closed back and sides. Point is it's still wayyyyy cheaper than paying to have it made and shipped....

 

[hondawingsfly]

it was a very easy build for how good it looks because i got the cuts done by a machine so its basicall just screw together. i live in florida so dont really worry about cold. also i would think it you were using a nice thermostat it would make the heat a little warmer to compensate for the cool house. thanks for the compliment!

 

[LeoMartin]

I'll take that iphone lol

 

[jbodkin]

How do you setup your tubs? 6.5 for single adults or babies (hatchlings) and do you put more than one adult in your 31qt?

 

[ssscales]

How do you setup your tubs? 6.5 for single adults or babies (hatchlings) and do you put more than one adult in your 31qt?

If you're asking me, 6qt tubs for hatchlings, 12qt tubs for single adults and 28qt tubs during breeding.

 

[hondawingsfly]

im keeping my single adults in 31qts but its really a matter of opinion i wouldnt go any smaller than a 12qt. tho.

 

[Nick44]

What was the final damage to the wallet? I plan on making one myself if its significantly cheaper than buying one already made.