rack with no lids

[Meta]

if i build a rack system out of melamine(sp?) and do not use lids on the containers...will evaporation from water bowls warp or damage the wood? may sound dumb, but i wanted to know before i decide to use lids or not. any input and/or advice about lids/no lids is greatly appreciated!

[Jeff_Favelle]

You need to paint or seal the wood. Or, use melamine.

[Steve]

I have a melamine rack with no lid, has lasted roughly 8months-1 year, with no damage yet. The rack is still pretty new but as of right now there is no damage, hopefully none for atleast a while to go, sorry couldn't help more then that

[Meta]

i see racks built both ways. with and without lids. i didn't know if one held up longer than the other.

i actually built a small rack out of mdf, using rubbermaids with lids, of course, as a test to see if i could actually do it. i've been using it for 6months+ with no problems.

i'm going to be building a much larger rack this time around and thought i'd ask for some advice. i appreciate your input steve and jeff.

also, i could be totally off, but the last time i went to my local lowes store, i swear they had sheets of melamine that were 4'1" x 9'1". does this sound right? i thought they came 4' x 8'. thanks.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Keep in mind that melamine is heavy, expensive, and it chips easily. 5/8" plywood painted with a water-borne acrylic and you'll have a rack that will last you decades.

[Linds]

I agree. Well-sealed plywood is the way to go. Melamine sucks, but it takes less effort since you do not have to go through the troubles of sealing the wood. It holds up ok in racks for the first while, but eventually it gets worn down from the tubs constantly being slid in and out, as well as if it is very humid, it will likely end up getting bubbly in those areas. High quality melamine obviously fares better, but in the end it all sucks imho.

[boa_Jay]

seems like i have to moove my A*S and make those plastic racks iam working on avalaible and ready to go!

[BoidKeeper]

I have to disagree. I heard people bad mouth melamine so I built my fist big cage out of plywood and now I use melamine. For all it's faluts I prefer not having to do any finishing work. I sanded and crack filled and painted that boa cage for hours. Never again.
From now on it's melamine racks and plastic cages.
Keep in mind not all melamine is created equal.
Cheers,
Trevor

[honduranfreekk]

I agrea with Trevor.
All my racks are made of melamine and one of them is almost 2 years old and looks the same as the day it was made:)

I will continue to use melamine.

Jeff my man what are ya talkin about bro melamine is CHEEP. A 4x8 sheet is only $24,00 man lol

Kelvin@Brigitte

[Kyle Barker]

melamine is a convenient product no question. but it is far from durable. it can last decades but cahnces are it will last a couple years. if all you keep is dry speceis than it will last very long. if your keeping baby bloods it probably wont see years end.

its all about keeping water from the crappy wood they use. if they used teh melamine on plywood the product wouldnt be half bad.

[Dragonhood]

I've been making melamine tanks for many year and have had NO problems with water damage. If your wondering about the exposed edge you can use the melamine tape to seal it . This way the water has no way to enter into the core of the wood. If you have any other qustions please email me at reptileoasis@msn.com thanks John

[Classic]

My melamine racks are lidless and are very durable. I have not seen any deterioration of any kind except from a few nicks and scratches from the moving company.

I highly reccommend Melamine.

Brian
HWH

[Kyle Barker]

melamine isnt the problem its jsut palstic. the low density fibreboard is where the problems come from. water gets in coantact with that, especially when mostly sealed and not allowed to evaporate, it will soak up water and puff up. put a scrap of your board in some water and watch next day.

it may last forever it may not. it never lasted for me cause teh melamine coating is rather thin and can be punctured/worn easily.