DIY Ball Python Rack for 41qt tubs

I built a rack for eight 41qt tubs out of 0.5 inch PVC sheets purchased from Home Depot. The sheets come in 4x8 ft. and can be cut down by the staff at the store.
Some of my previous DIY videos are listed below:
Hatchling rack: • DIY Ball Python Rack
Growout rack: • DIY Ball Python Growou...
Pullout workstation: • DIY Pullout Workstation
PVC boards are purchased from Home Depot
Dimensions: 1/2 x 48 x 96 inches
SKU 1000-052-907 76.36USD ea.
Tubs from Target
Sterilite 28qt
Sterilite 41qt

[@chrisneedham6530]

This is the best video I have seen on DIY racks! Thank you.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Chris Needham thank you. Sorry I didn't see your comment earlier

[@mikemathis3963]

Thank you @Lucas Landon Royals just got back with all the material

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sure thing! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@CollinsCreativeImages]

Did you buy Azek Board? Thats all I can find. Its a type of pvc board

[@ThePythonBurrow]

Great build as always brother!! Congrats on 100 subs!! Great channel you are very knowledgeable about the hobby! Take care!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The Python Burrow Thanks man!

[@joshtate1797]

I really wish I could get pvc in my area! Great build!! They look great!

[@dreambig9253]

Google plastic fabrication companies in you area, who carry XPVC sheets.

[@joshtate1797]

Dream Big I probably should have worded it differently. I wish I could get xpvc for a reasonable price in my area. The cheapest I found is $146 per sheet and they have to order it.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

You can find it on Amazon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXTNlIdtapqZms0

[@joesmorphs6161]

I know it’s a little late, but would be good to see the heating side of it too

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I have a few videos on heating. Here is one kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4jHi2CvarOMopY

[@joesmorphs6161]

@@LucasLandonRoyals awesome 👍

[@coreypreston457]

What up Lucas I'm building me a rack from your video Saturday hope everything turns out good for me wish me luck and keep the videos coming

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Corey Preston hey good luck!

[@DoezshaBsExotics]

Great video as always. I love watching your build videos.

[@lukasisraellapodilorenzo4500]

I will build one like yours, thanks bro !!

[@codymoon475]

Great video man looks like a solid build.

[@HBPExotics]

Awesome videos man...love seeing diy jobs..awesome racks..

[@diegomares4001]

Great video definitely going you use this video when I make my rack

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Diego Mares glad you can use this for reference

[@ELKORA2324]

You should make a video of you cutting down the 41q to 21q

[@michaelwhite1673]

Subscribed to your channel. I like how you include the cuts and measurements any hatchling or rat racks coming soon ? I would really love to use your DIY videos as a guide. Thanks for the vids keep up the good work brother ❤💯💪

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Absolutely! Check out my DIY playlist. kzbin.info/aero/PLib8YW6qeuZcy6OPAcVE3j6J78K_abxAx

[@michael.j7655]

What dimensions would you use for a four bin 41 qt tub set up?

[@victor10161]

Oh wow, looks amazing 👍👍

[@fernandoalvarez3891]

I would need to know the size of the material I need and the measurements of the spacing

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I've responded to your email. Let me know if you have other questions and I'll try to help.

[@amberthieme9184]

What heating element is being used and what kind tubes where it don't melt

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I used heat tape. It has to be connected to a thermostat to regulate the temperature so it doesn't get too hot to melt anything.

[@SpartanReptiles]

Perfect video! Just what I was looking for!

[@SpartanReptiles]

What length of flex watt heat tape is needed for this rack?

[@Ibaneddie76]

Nice job man.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Thanks!

[@kingLoera]

Make the 28qt tub video please

[@jasoncollins8562]

Great build

[@ThePracticeTattooGuy]

How many sheets of pvc did it take to make this?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

It should have been 2 sheets

[@smuse6658]

Which pvc did you use? They have Cellular White PVC Panel and White PVC Trim. They both have the same SKU number as you posted in the description.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Here is a direct link to the product.. www.homedepot.com/p/Veranda-HP-1-2-in-x-48-in-x-8-ft-White-PVC-Trim-H120AWS6/205309788?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-205309788-_-N

[@smuse6658]

Thanks so much I'm going to home Depot tomorrow!! Great videos man keep up the awesome work....

[@richardedwards2448]

What kind of clamps are you using to hold the shelf in place

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Those are corner clamps. $10-15 from home depot. They're worth it!

[@lukeumstattd2413]

What is the cost like for the 41qt 8 shelf rack?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Around $250. If you're housing ball pythons, I'd recommend the 28qt rack.

[@patrickkollman9663]

Nice build. Any chance you have a diagram of how to cut the single sheet for the 28qt?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I can try to dig it up. If you email me at [e-mail] I'll send you the cut sheet when I find it

[@patrickkollman9663]

@@LucasLandonRoyals thank you very much!

[@smuse6658]

Would 1 sheet of pvc be enough to build the 28qt tub rack you were talking about at the end of the video??

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Yes, 1 sheet for a 8 28qt rack. Use plywood for the very, very bottom.

[@CollinsCreativeImages]

Is what you are using called Azek Board. Thats all I can find at Home Depot

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The brand I can source is Veranda. I don't think brand should matter as long as the material is rigid enough.

[@CollinsCreativeImages]

@@LucasLandonRoyals what is the thickness on the shelfs

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I tore this down a while back so I don't have the measurements anymore but I think it was 5 11/16 inch. You'll want to measure the height of your tub then add 1/8 inch.

[@tegteg798]

How many sheets did it take you??

[@Icey7883]

Can you upload a video of the base and wheels you put on and how please ?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

That was in a prior video. Check it out near the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGa8knirpNpsfNk I may make a more detailed DIY in the future.

[@elmalogo2930]

How far do we put the blue tape is the height of the tubs???

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I made another video that explains how to measure for the blue tape markers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3vMnnaCaNZ3d80

[@murdock21696]

You mentioned cutting the material in the Home Depot parking lot with your circular saw, what did you sit it up on to use as a “table” and did you use a battery powered one or a corded one? My Home Depot refuses to cut the pvc sheets as well, like the below comment regarding “ruining their saw” I’m going to try again, but we’ll see.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I brought my own battery powered tools. Check out this linked video at 17.45 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XFpIahZZVpias

[@murdock21696]

Lucas Landon Royals unfortunately my store won’t even cut them down at all from the 4x8 sheet. So I’d have to find a way to set up the 4x8 sheet to cut it

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@murdock21696 I've had to do that. Put two of the flat carts together.

[@murdock21696]

Lucas Landon Royals night have to give that a go then. If I wanted to do a closed sided rack, with 5 tubs, I could basically just add another however many inches side height and leave it the width of the drawers/levels right?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@murdock21696 yeah, you'd be using more PVC for the sides if you want to take that route. You can also just build it as open sides and then wrap it with the corrugated plastic which is cheaper than PVC.

[@williamsmith9626]

How many sheets did you need?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

2 sheets. This is a big rack. Unless your snakes are pushing 3000 grams I'd suggest you build a rack for 28qt tubs. Hope this helps.

[@korbinreed216]

Would you say this 41 quart tub rack system would be cheaper to make myself or just to buy one at a reptile expo ? How much would you say you spent to make this rack including the heat tape and tubs ? Thanks !

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

That pvc rack, heat tape, wires, screws, wood base with casters cost about $260. But there was almost half a sheet of pvc left over. Honestly this 41qt rack was too big for even my large female ball pythons. A 28qt tub rack worked out better for my females and there's much less wasted pvc. I eventually cut the 41qt rack down in a 28qt rack. I have videos on making 28qt racks. Hope this helps

[@luisuriostegui556]

no pvc at any local stores near me,what else can i use?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Try looking for windows and sidings companies, also sign maker companies. They use pvc sheets.

[@DoezshaBsExotics]

Awesome build I wish i cold fond the xpvc in my area.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Doezsha.B's Exotics it's unfortunate the material is not available in all areas. I wonder why that is since pvc is common building material.

[@dreambig9253]

Google plastic fabrication companies in your area, who may carry XPVC sheets.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

You can get it on Amazon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXTNlIdtapqZms0

[@shadowunknown9978]

Are pvc boards the same as foam boards

[@shadowunknown9978]

Nvm

[@BiggR19]

How many sheets of pvc would it take????

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

2 sheets of 4ft x 8ft. 0.5 inch thick.

[@JustinSmith-ll5zb]

Roughly about how much did it cost to make that rack? if you don’t mind me asking thank you.

[@SmaySerpents]

Were do you get your PVC boards at?

[@Ftsqrl]

Awesome!

[@wytemanfrmtwn9363]

What kind of tubs did you use

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

41qt Sterilite tubs

[@mikeb843SC]

One sheet can make what you need to build 28q?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

That's right. The very bottom is plywood.

[@mikeb843SC]

@@LucasLandonRoyals so the last Shelf is plywood everything else is pvc

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The bottom piece of the lowest shelf is plywood.

[@fernandoalvarez3891]

So the store I went to didn't have sterilite so I got 5 56 quart hefty bins I know it's a different dimension there 35 by 16

[@fernandoalvarez3891]

Do you have measurements for that I am only trying to make a 4 or 5 rack

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I do not, but you can calculate the measurements based on the tubs dimensions as I've done in my video

[@fpsfein]

Which one of these are going to be safe to use? UHMW, HMW, HDPE Polyethelene, Polycarbonate, Nylon, Teflon PTFE, Acetal, Polypropelene, PVC. I was looking into buying a rack but after watching this I'm sure I'll be able to to handle it. I just need to see what would be safe so when I call my local company I'll get the prices of the right ones.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sean Prior I've only built racks with pvc. I'm not sure of how workable the other materials are. As for safety you can look it up. I just googled "UHMW toxic" and found "Non-toxic and safe A physically non-toxic material. Great for use with food products, UHMW can also be used in the medical field." Good luck with your build.

[@fpsfein]

Lucas Landon Royals Awesome! Thank you!

[@curtismurphy7792]

What do you want for that 41 qt you have in storage?

[@MeezyPeezy]

My local plastics place wants $500 with this cut

[@Red-357]

Awesome tutorial. I know it’s an old video but I have a question regarding tub size. Do you think a 28qt tub size rack will be good enough/big enough for an adult ball python? Or do you recommend the 41qt. Not thinking of breeding either. Just to have a good amount of ball pythons. I like that 8 tub rack. But not sure if the 28 or 41 is better. Thanks.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Go with 28qt. The 41qt is a lot to manage on large scale and no real advantage. All my adult females are in 28qt tubs.

[@Red-357]

Lucas Landon Royals thank you for the advice!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

NP!

[@jorgedm15]

What are the measurements of the spaces between shelves?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Jorge Davalos I took it apart already however you can divide it equally to 8. I believe the space was 5 and 23/32 inches. Don't forget to factor in the thickness of the material.

[@SOUTHSOUNDSNAKES]

I'm sooo jealous that I can get that material out where I live, lol. Good job though!

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Travis Van Marter haha. It's a basic building material. Seems like something all Home Depot should carry.

[@dreambig9253]

Google plastic fabrication companies in you area, that carry XPVC sheets.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@dreambig9253 you can find it on Amazon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXTNlIdtapqZms0

[@MaritaDeLaPenaDTG]

Nice channel. I am considering building a rack and using freedom breeder tubs. That thermostat you buy from Amazon, is it only for 220 or does it come in 110?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The one I use is 110. My latest DIY video shows how to connect the wires and there us a link to the stc1000 in the description of the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXTNlIdtapqZms0

[@zekeworldwidepythons1620]

So two sheets of PVC will make it to hold 8tubs

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I used 2 sheets for this rack and had some leftover scrap pieces.

[@forfun212678]

What home depot store are you buying it from? I can't find it anywhere

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I'm in NJ. I have 3 home depot and 2 lowes near me that all carry it. I have heaf from others that not all locations carry the pvc sheets for some reason.

[@forfun212678]

@@LucasLandonRoyals O ya the west cost is regulated or something for some reason. I can order it but every time I find it they want something like $300+ a sheet. I will have to continue making them out of wood. Thanks

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Man, that's unfortunate. It's just a simple building material.

[@forfun212678]

@@LucasLandonRoyals Ya the only thing I can think of is the material it is made of can cause cancer. But that's with almost.if not all plastic lol

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Hahaha 😄 I would speculate the same.

[@lil_dookie5130]

How much did this rack cost

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I had to use 2 sheets of PVC board which were $76 each. The base and wheels cost about $20. I can't remember how much the screws cost and they can vary greatly depending on the size, brand, and material so just factor in $10, and the back is probably another $10. This rack holds 41qt bins which are too big for most of my snakes. If your snakes are under 2500grams, your better off using 28qt bins which would require less PVC board.

[@Deej777]

what width board is this?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

0.5 inch x 4ft x 8ft

[@ELKORA2324]

How many sheets did it take

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Jaime Rivera jr 2 sheets

[@nickkline2584]

2 4x8 sheets?

[@lane8932]

Can acrylic painted plywood be a substitute for the pvc ?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Rusty Irons paint will help protect the wood but over time the wood will swell and warp. Pvc is more stable than wood.

[@lane8932]

Lucas Landon Royals ok thank it . It's just so hard to track it down .

[@BillCconroy]

Did you build those aquarium stands from PVC also? Does that support the weight or is there something else there?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

The aquarium stands are built with 2x4 and 2x3 lumber. The joints are made with half lap and screws.

[@mikemathis3963]

what is the spacing for the inner shelves from each other!?!?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

5.7187inches it's a weird number because of the tub height.

[@mikemathis3963]

@@LucasLandonRoyals what is that on a tape measure lol?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@mikemathis3963 Haha. A hair shy of 5 and 3/4.

[@mikem909]

If you don’t mind me asking, How much did you end up paying in materials?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

2 sheets of PVC at $76 each

[@ELKORA2324]

What brand tubs and where did you get them

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Jaime Rivera jr I used 41qt sterilte bins. You can find them at stores like Walmart. You can use other bins, you'll just need to change measurements based on the dimensions of the bins

[@ErnsExotics]

I love your videos!! Quick question what brand of 41 qt tubs was that build designed for?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

They are Sterilite that I purchased from Walmart.

[@fpstony01]

Do you know how much flex heating watt tape did you use for this rack ?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I ordered 12 feet just incase I needed it but only used 10 feet.

[@fpstony01]

Lucas Landon Royals perfect thanks for your answer and your video ! Good job

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@fpstony01 you're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@jalenwilkerson4699]

Is PVC cement needed?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

It's not needed but it will stiffen the structure.

[@jalenwilkerson4699]

Thank you sir. Bought everything this video told me, got it cut and I’m putting it together tomorrow. Wish me luck , first time

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@jalenwilkerson4699 good luck. An extra set of hands will be helpful. It was a challeng to hold those large pieces.

[@jalenwilkerson4699]

Have my wife here to help. Appreciate the help a ton. 🙏🏽👍

[@tomsherilla5580]

Are the tubs Sterilite 34 7/8" x 16 5/8" x 6 1/8"?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I notice sterilte has different versions of 41qt tubs. I'll get a product number next time I go to Target. Are you building for Ball Pythons? I found the 28qt works better.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Here is the video for 28qt tubs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6evYYJtmLWrj7c

[@tomsherilla5580]

@@LucasLandonRoyals Initially for large corns, with intent on using for BP's. I have a 28qt rack and they're cramped.

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@tomsherilla5580 I took pictures of the label while I was at Target. Email me at [e-mail] and I'll attached the pictures

[@MsLovinlife20]

But where and how do you do the heat elements? Do they touch the bottoms of the tubs or are they recessed? What kind of heat and what size are you using? How and where are you placing the probe for the thermostat and the cords for the heating element?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Hi. Here is a videos on heating kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4jHi2CvarOMopY You can also look through my DIY playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLib8YW6qeuZcy6OPAcVE3j6J78K_abxAx

[@zekeworldwidepythons1620]

Can fb40 tubs fit this

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

I don't think they would fit. They are too small. The rack can be customized for the tub.

[@zekeworldwidepythons1620]

@@LucasLandonRoyals even the fb70 to small

[@zekeworldwidepythons1620]

Two sheets and everything cut in inches

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

@@zekeworldwidepythons1620 fb70 is too big. This rack is customized for the Sterilite 41qt. but the dimensions can be altered for any size tub. The process to assemble the rack will be the same.

[@TheStrangerIII]

Where did you get your tubs

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Tubs are from Walmart and Target. I like to use commonly available products so everyone can build their own rack. The PVC sheets are from Home Depot. Check with your local stores first.

[@dadandsonsrips2854]

Where did you get the PVC board at?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Greenmachine 1266 they are from Home depot. Check out the Description section of this video for price and SKU.

[@dadandsonsrips2854]

Lucas Landon Royals thank you so much keep up the great work

[@derreptiles1277]

How many sheets did you use for the 41 qt rack?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

DER Reptiles 1 and a half sheets but Home Depot didn't square up a couple cuts so I am short one shelf level.

[@shamoney451]

How thick is it 1/2 in or 1 in and also is it melamine or pvc??

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

Sha_Glizzy 1/2 inch pvc sheets. I got mine at Home Depot.

[@shamoney451]

Lucas Landon Royals how much a sheet ? I’m on a budget lol

[@mvp_martinez9104]

How many sheets of PVC boards did you use

[@sobblecripgang3130]

What type of heat tape do you recommend and how much for this build?

[@LucasLandonRoyals]

This is good for really really big female ball pythons or larger species like boa constrictor (BCI). I find 41qt to be too big for most of my ball pythons. Check out my DIY for 28qt tubs. I used 4 inch heat tape.