DIY Rack - Would like some input before we try.

[Adinar]

Wasn't sure if anyone has attempted this or not and if so how has it worked for you?

http://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-6070-267-Supreme-5-Tier-Shelving/dp/B000LRDTYG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1307839768&sr=8-3

We have several of these metal racks here from when we had everyone in tanks and our collection was much smaller. We've also got a ton of the plastic bins big enough for adults. 16qt or possibly even 20qt.

Thinking about possibly putting down a material such as peg board across the shelves to give it a flat surface for the heat tape for belly heat. Not sure how many high we will go, just depends on how many I can fit per shelf I suppose. Also debating about possibly building something around the unit itself to "trap" the heat since our place does get drafty in the winter.

Has anyone used this method before or something similar? Has it worked for you? Temps remained pretty stable? Figured since we have just about everything here do this opposed to going and buying a rack, but we will see given feedback.

 

[Adinar]

30 some views and no one has any input?

 

[Samphibian]

Nice plan!
Recently converted a couple of black plastic shelves into hatchie/juvie racks. I used radiator insulation foil underneath and soil heating cable as the heat source, all through a habistat pulse stat. Works well!

So heres the tubs:

Putting the feet on:

insulating:

Measuring up:

Getting there!

laying cable:

Stat on!

Hiding that annoying loop of cable between stat and cable:

Done!

In situ:

running fully:

 

[Russ S]

Pegboard on back and sides to retain heat, leaving shelves as is or peg boarding them will work, I've done it both ways. Just be sure the tubs have secure lids. Reptiles can be escape artists.

 

[Adinar]

Pegboard on back and sides to retain heat, leaving shelves as is or peg boarding them will work, I've done it both ways. Just be sure the tubs have secure lids. Reptiles can be escape artists.

Yup, we definetally plan to keep the lid on.

When you did this type of set up, did you use anything solid underneath the heat tape?

 

[Adinar]

Nice plan!
Recently converted a couple of black plastic shelves into hatchie/juvie racks. I used radiator insulation foil underneath and soil heating cable as the heat source, all through a habistat pulse stat. Works well!

So heres the tubs:

Putting the feet on:

insulating:

Measuring up:

Getting there!

laying cable:

Stat on!

Hiding that annoying loop of cable between stat and cable:

Done!

In situ:

running fully:

This could be doable too since the heatrope is easily accesible without ordering off the internet... hm.

 

[Russ S]

Yup, we definetally plan to keep the lid on.

When you did this type of set up, did you use anything solid underneath the heat tape?

I have done it with heat tape right on the shelves and with a piece of tile board under the heat tape with equal results.

 

[TokayKeeper]

I'd use an aluminum ducting tape over general duct tape in the future. Duct tape, particularly with heat applied to it, tends to become brittle over time. I did not enjoy scraping it off one bit when I reworked a couple of racks last year. The aluminum tape will, or at least should be fire resistant.

Hopefully this will link...

Shurtape 2" x 10.9yd water proofing repair tape

 

[Tony C]

I used those racks for hatchlings when I was breeding leopard geckos. I didn't bother to modify them, just used Ultratherm strips for heat and sat the tubs on them.

 

[Adinar]

I used those racks for hatchlings when I was breeding leopard geckos. I didn't bother to modify them, just used Ultratherm strips for heat and sat the tubs on them.

Hm, looks like this may be the way to go. Might atcually get some use out of these racks and tubs.

 

[Adinar]

Russ, when you did do the sides and back, did you use the pegboard with the holes for better airflow or did you use the solid stuff?

 

[Bighouchin]

Nice idea!