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View Full Version : Need quick, simple ideas for a rack!

Strutter769
03-01-12, 02:55 PM
With all these new animals coming in theme next couple weeks and the two tomorrow, I need to build a rack TODAY!

Wifey insists we build it in our closet. It's 71" high, 41" wide and 33" deep. Can I just build just shelves in there at the height of my tubs or is it more than that? I need a quick, very affordable way to do this. I'll pick up heat tape at the expo on Saturday.

Has anyone done this and maybe got any pics of a "closet rack"?

Any and all ideas are appreciated.
Gungirl
03-01-12, 05:06 PM
I have not built what you are going to build but there is no reason it wont work ok for you. Just make sure you take the door off the closet to allow for plenty of air flow.

I would just put shelves into the closet at the spacing you need and wire it up with heat and everything else the same way you would a rack. People make racks with sealed backs and sides so your closet is the casing already built.
Strutter769
03-01-12, 05:13 PM
Kat, have you been talking to my wife? Ok, so I'll build shelves to accommodate the tubs well buy, then the heat tape should run along the back of each shelf? Can I wire them all together so I don't have 5-6 plugs to plug in? I'm very electrical-illiterate!
DeesBalls
03-01-12, 05:21 PM
Heat tape is easy to "snake" just you tube wire heat tape and there's some good ones that shows you how.

As for the rack, I've had cages in my closet and I kept door shut, but that was with cages not tubs, I would leave the door either open, or take it off.

And just adjust the shelving height to what you need for the tubs.
Gungirl
03-01-12, 05:26 PM
Yes you could wire them all together but I wouldn't do that. I might trust 2 shelves per the plug at most. The reason being the higher shelves will get hotter faster and need less power as the lower shelves will need more seeing as heat rises.

I also prefer belly heat as opposed to back heat. I think your snakes will benefit more from it being set up that way. just have the heat tape set under the back 1/3 of the tub.
Strutter769
03-01-12, 05:28 PM
Heat tape is easy to "snake" just you tube wire heat tape and there's some good ones that shows you how.

As for the rack, I've had cages in my closet and I kept door shut, but that was with cages not tubs, I would leave the door either open, or take it off.

And just adjust the shelving height to what you need for the tubs.

Ok cool! The door is already off, so that saves a step.

Also, I have a ZooMed HygroStat (or whatever!) that is currently used for the rainbows. Where do I place the probe to ensure all tubs are heated properly? Can I connect it to the heat tape somehow?
DeesBalls
03-01-12, 05:53 PM
Heat tape to secure it. And usually place the probe towards the middle of the rack.