My new gecko rack!

[LeapinLizards]

Alright! Got the 3 rows I'll need for now taped down, and soldered all the heat tape together. The wiring is a mess right now, but functions, as we are waiting for a shipment of LED switches to allow me to turn on and off each row (even though they are wired together).

Here's a picture of the soldered wire on the heat tape. We found that by putting solder on the stripped wires, then placing them on the heat tape, and heating it all up, we made a good connection. The problem part was the plastic laminate on the heat tape. By putting the solder on the wires first, then heating it all up, it melted through that laminate enough to make a good connection.

Here's the heat tape, all taped down to the shelves:

Here are the 3 rows I'll be using for the geckos I'll be getting Tuesday:

And here are the temps being read by the Herpstat Thermostat, and the difference from that, and the in-tub thermometer (with one layer of paper towel)...it goes between 90.3-91*F.

I cannot wait for my new little ones to get here Tuesday...I hope they appreciate all the trouble I'm going through for them! :main_rolleyes:

 

[tstodard]

Thats a nice looking rack!

 

[MSMD]

It's coming together very nicely, Heather. I'm sure your new little ones will love it! :yes:

 

[LeapinLizards]

Thanks guys. I doubt I'll sleep a wink Monday night!!!

 

[thestack510]

That it a great job. My compliments to your father. I need to expand my system soon. You inspire me. I would really like a system like that.

 

[eric]

Very nice Heather. You guys did a great job!

 

[LeapinLizards]

Thanks Ken, it was a pretty fun process! I just hope it's enough room for all my projects this coming spring

Thanks Eric, I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have been able to do it without your help! :main_thumbsup:

 

[OhioGecko]

Great looking and functional rack! :2thumbsup:

To help with the wiring in the back, temp stability, and escapes I added peg board to back side of my homemade racks.

 

[thestack510]

I agree...

Great looking and functional rack! :2thumbsup:

To help with the wiring in the back, temp stability, and escapes I added peg board to back side of my homemade racks.

peg board in back would slow the escape of heat a bit, and still allow air to circulate. Good thinkin'.

 

[LeapinLizards]

Well, originally we thought about adding peg board, but we didn't for a few reasons...

The rack was built really nice, with pretty expensive wood.The peg board on the back would take away from the appearance a lot I think. There is no wiring in the back that isn't just temporary. All the wiring visible is there for easy hook up once we get the LED switches installed. It will all be cleaned up and not visible once that is done

The other reason is that the rack is sitting in our most temperature stable room in this house, no drafts, no direct sunlight, etc. It sits against a wall. The thermostat is able to be set at 93*F, and the themometers in the tubs read 91.5-92* perfectly.

And as far as escapees, the space between the top shelf and the tub below is 1/8".

 

[OhioGecko]

Cool, I definately can tell you thought it out very well. Your rack does look awesome! Post some more pics when you get your leos settled in.

 

[LeapinLizards]

Cool, I definately can tell you thought it out very well. Your rack does look awesome! Post some more pics when you get your leos settled in.

Of course! They got shipped out today, for arrival tomorrow

 

[Next Level Geckos]

Thats for me right?

 

[jmlslayer]

Awesome Rack !!!! i am also getting a leopard tomorrow so with that ill have no more room in my rack and will build one like yours lol:main_evilgrin:

 

[jakemyster44]

you didnt happen to find out what wires you used to connect the segments of tape did you? Thanks