I am wishing to build a snake rake for my hognoses this weekend. What is the reasoning between PVC and plywood as the frame and shelves?
Also, is there a way to do lighting in these? I planned on light strips for lighting in general, but are there any UVB type lights you can use?
Are you planning to use tubs? If so, you wouldn’t be able to have bulbs in there because they would interfere with pulling out the tubs. LED strips are small enough that you can probably get away with it for adult racks, but I would worry that leaving enough space on a hatchling rack even for LED lights can potentially lead to escapees.
To use bulbs you would probably need to use a screen layer to allow the bulbs to sit on top with enough space between tubs. If you’re handy it may not be that difficult of a modification though.
As far as the materials… Melamine boards are what you would want. Not just plywood. Without the melamine coating you could have issues with mold and rotting from the humidity in the tubs. If you do plan to use plywood you will need to seal it for protection. That adds extra cure time to things.
The reason for PVC is because of the water resistance and it being a lighter material than melamine.
I do plan on tubs. I was thinking of the LED strip being ran across the back and to be on a timer of course. However, I don’t know how much light would even get in the tubs
You could use LED light stripes and recess them into the shelving. This way, they would not get in the way of the tubs.
PVC 1/2" or thicker sheets are expensive, but you don’t have to seal them.
I don’t like melamine sheets as the protective film is very thin, and once compromised, the wood fiber board will be like a sponge.
There is a good reason why cheap cabinets are made from melamine. And high end cabinets are made from plywood and solid wood. Melamine is cheap and will not last long.
You could use plywood, but you would have to seal it very well. Here are two links for sealers I use for wood cages.
Thank you! I had the brilliant idea to see if my dad had left over plywood he would not be using and he had just enough of cabinet grade 3/4". So I used that and have put it together. I have done one layer of Kilz mold and mildew sealant and am on my second layer of drylock. Once I finish finish, I’ll post in on here… But since I didn’t have to pay more than $30 for great plywood, I figured I could make up the money difference with the primer and sealant. It’s not perfect but it’s for me so will definitely work for what I need.