I thought this would be an interesting topic which started with the Snakekeeper interview. It brings up a lot of interesting concerns with homemade racks.

I have an uncle who is allergic to formaldehyde and has tons of problems from it. So I called him to talk about. He told me formaldehyde is present in most construction materials. He also said different products release formaldehyde in different manners, some less than others. He said he thinks most of the formaldehyde in melamine would probably come from the glue holding the press board together. He also said the coating could have some present. In a normal situation of being used for shelving, the release of formaldehyde would be greatest at the initial purchase and would taper off over time. He thinks the problem of it with snake racks would be the addition of heat and humidity. The heat itself would cause more formaldehyde to be released. The humidity can also cause it from breaking down the glue and surface.

Another concern is the build up of humidity inside the tubs (anyone that notices moisture on the sides of the tubs). It can breakdown the white coating of the shelving and promote mold growth. This can be hard to see unless you pull out the tubs and check the underside of the shelf above. It may just make it look "dirty". All of these conditions can cause health problems by themselves and together it gets dramatically worse.

By no means am I saying that it will happen to everyone, but I just wanted to bring this up to so everyone can keep an eye on their setups and animals. :yessir:

I've also heard of some kind of chemical release when using plastic cages and racks, and also with burned pvc perches. The snakes seem to do fine but who knows? Also heard the same thing with radiant heat panels and their casing.

Yes, most products release some level. I'm sure the levels released have to do with density etc.

Good topic...I always hear this one tossed back and forth. I have never had any issues myself with it. I have both home made and bought racks. But it's often something I think about. I like to hear what everyone has to say as well on this one :yessir:

Most plastic off gas to some extent. I don't know if there is any solid material we could build cages out of that would be 100% safe. Wood releases oils and fumes, plastic releases gases of some of the chemicals used to make the plastic. I did not hear the interview with SK that brought this to light, but I haven't heard of any ill effects to any captive animals kept in melamine cages. Did SK have an incident, or know of a fatality or illness caused directly by formaldehyde poisoning? You would think with all the people that use melamine as a rack and cage building material that there would be more information on the subject.

All my racks and cages I have built have been built from melamine so far. I would like to start using XPVC, but it is so much more expensive. Anyways, I have never had an issue with any of my snakes or lizards in any of my cages or racks. In fact, one of the first cages I built had been used for a couple of years as it fell apart, due to me not sealing the seams, and had a healthy retic in it for a long time. I did finally have to scrap that cage, but it's because it literally fell apart. Anyways, I don't know exactly how concerned about this we are supposed to be. I have a feeling it isn't a common occurrance. If SK has suggested a different material that is as cheap and available as melamine is, I'm all ears.

How about glass, just for debate?

Best bet with melamine racks, is to always build them to surround lidded tubs.
Investing some extra day to day work with lids makes all of these potential issues go away.

Most plastic off gas to some extent. I don't know if there is any solid material we could build cages out of that would be 100% safe. Wood releases oils and fumes, plastic releases gases of some of the chemicals used to make the plastic. I did not hear the interview with SK that brought this to light, but I haven't heard of any ill effects to any captive animals kept in melamine cages. Did SK have an incident, or know of a fatality or illness caused directly by formaldehyde poisoning? You would think with all the people that use melamine as a rack and cage building material that there would be more information on the subject.

All my racks and cages I have built have been built from melamine so far. I would like to start using XPVC, but it is so much more expensive. Anyways, I have never had an issue with any of my snakes or lizards in any of my cages or racks. In fact, one of the first cages I built had been used for a couple of years as it fell apart, due to me not sealing the seams, and had a healthy retic in it for a long time. I did finally have to scrap that cage, but it's because it literally fell apart. Anyways, I don't know exactly how concerned about this we are supposed to be. I have a feeling it isn't a common occurrance. If SK has suggested a different material that is as cheap and available as melamine is, I'm all ears.

First, I'm in no way saying if you use melamine you're going to have problems. I'm simply bringing this up as a good topic for people to compare notes and experiences. Snakekeeper said they switched their racks after having problems with animals in melamine racks. They did tests including air samples and found high levels of formaldehyde.

How about glass, just for debate?

Good question.

Best bet with melamine racks, is to always build them to surround lidded tubs.
Investing some extra day to day work with lids makes all of these potential issues go away.


I would think that would help, especially with mold issues. :yessir:

First, I'm in no way saying if you use melamine you're going to have problems. I'm simply bringing this up as a good topic for people to compare notes and experiences. Snakekeeper said they switched their racks after having problems with animals in melamine racks. They did tests including air samples and found high levels of formaldehyde.

I didn't mean for my post to sound argumentative. It was more of me thinking as I was typing, adding my experiences and what I've heard. It is a good topic, for sure.

That would only help with mold issues. If you have ventalation holes you are still going to have problems with gases being released. I know 100% the the Formaldehyde is a big deal in melamine and MDF.....because I have severe reatctions to it and can no longer build my own racks out of the stuff. You best bet if you are using the stuff is to seal it very very well. Especially anywhere you make a cut and where the heat will be.

I didn't mean for my post to sound argumentative. It was more of me thinking as I was typing, adding my experiences and what I've heard. It is a good topic, for sure.


Not a problem, just a good discussion. :yessir:

Best bet with melamine racks, is to always build them to surround lidded tubs.
Investing some extra day to day work with lids makes all of these potential issues go away.

My melamine racks use lids on the tubs, but they still require holes in the tubs somewhere. If melamine is indeed out gassing formaldehyde, and if that is causing problems, I don't know if a lid will make the problem go away. It may help by not exposing the melamine to as much humidity, but the heat is still there, and the possibility for the gas to build up in the tubs is still there. I would be interested to find out what kind of problems SK was having with the animal(s), and if it could indeed be determined if the formaldehyde was the agent causing the problems. I plan on doing some research on the subject to better educate myself on the issue and try to determine what the risk to the snakes actually is. Of course, I would like for there to be 0 risk for my animals, but it is cost prohibative for me to switch all of my racks right now.

I would be interested to find out what kind of problems SK was having with the animal(s), and if it could indeed be determined if the formaldehyde was the agent causing the problems. I plan on doing some research on the subject to better educate myself on the issue and try to determine what the risk to the snakes actually is. Of course, I would like for there to be 0 risk for my animals, but it is cost prohibative for me to switch all of my racks right now.

Right off hand I don't what the problems were. This came up in the Reptile Radio interview saturday night and if I remember right it was towards the end.

Right off hand I don't what the problems were. This came up in the Reptile Radio interview saturday night and if I remember right it was towards the end.

Yeah, I remember seeing a post on here about it. I knew it was from the radio show, I just haven't gotten around to listening to it yet. Did they specify what the issue they were having was, though?

My melamine racks use lids on the tubs, but they still require holes in the tubs somewhere. If melamine is indeed out gassing formaldehyde, and if that is causing problems, I don't know if a lid will make the problem go away.

A builder can put all air holes in the front of his/her tubs, nor completely cap the rear of the rack so there is some cross flow ventilation for each hole. Partially open backs will help with heat build-up issues with an airspace behind the racks. Of course, room temprature control becomes the next link requiring accounting for, in the thermodynamics chain.

I have built and used melamine racks for 16 or so years and have never had a issue with formaldehyde from what I can tell. All but one of my racks are lidless. Like what has been said, show me a material as good and as cheap and I am all ears......

Racks are one thing. I know I wouldnt build an actual cage out of it. As I would think the high heat and humidity in a closed cage would just make the problem that much worse.

I do know that there are commercial companies who make reptile cages out of melamine. They have sold many Im sure and I have yet so hear of an animal dying specifically from poisoning due to formaldehyde gas. But of course that would require a full necropsy which few people do.

Now the question is, what about those animals that people have for a while, are doing great and all of a sudden down they go. Could formaldehyde be the culprit? Or at least part of the animals demise? Really dont know but too risky for me.

Racks are one thing. I know I wouldnt build an actual cage out of it. As I would think the high heat and humidity in a closed cage would just make the problem that much worse.

I do know that there are commercial companies who make reptile cages out of melamine. They have sold many Im sure and I have yet so hear of an animal dying specifically from poisoning due to formaldehyde gas. But of course that would require a full necropsy which few people do.

Now the question is, what about those animals that people have for a while, are doing great and all of a sudden down they go. Could formaldehyde be the culprit? Or at least part of the animals demise? Really dont know but too risky for me.

I've been building all my cages out of melamine. I am open to any other building material, but as of now, I don't know anything that is as cheap, available and resistant as melamine is. It aactually holds up really well. I wonder if sealing it would prevent the gas from coming out? What are you using for cages besides troughs, V?

I've been building all my cages out of melamine. I am open to any other building material, but as of now, I don't know anything that is as cheap, available and resistant as melamine is. It aactually holds up really well. I wonder if sealing it would prevent the gas from coming out? What are you using for cages besides troughs, V?


I dont like using melamine because if water gets into the seams it falls apart. I hate that particle board interior. If you seal the seams you're usually ok but Im just not a fan of the product.

I use 3/4 plywood laminated with FRP. I still seal the corners but I like the FRP better. Its not water resistant, its water PROOF which I really like. Just personal preference.

Lucid, dont get me wrong I know a lot of folks build with melamine and have no issues. It just kinda makes me nervous with the stuff Ive read. Maybe Im just a nancy pants. :)

V what is FRP?

Metal would be an option but it would be open air...plus I have no idea how to go about power coating it or I should say having it powder coated or enamel painted...

I dont like using melamine because if water gets into the seams it falls apart. I hate that particle board interior. If you seal the seams you're usually ok but Im just not a fan of the product.

I use 3/4 plywood laminated with FRP. I still seal the corners but I like the FRP better. Its not water resistant, its water PROOF which I really like. Just personal preference.

Lucid, dont get me wrong I know a lot of folks build with melamine and have no issues. It just kinda makes me nervous with the stuff Ive read. Maybe Im just a nancy pants. :)

:master::master: i am right there with you on the FRP!!!!!!
Espeacially with high humidity enclosure!

Metal would be an option but it would be open air...plus I have no idea how to go about power coating it or I should say having it powder coated or enamel painted...
Powder coating is actually a really simple process, your best bet would be getting in touch with a local paint or metal fabrication shop. I've never actually looked into what the shop I work in charges because I get it for free, but I wouldn't expect it to be too expensive. The most time intensive part of the process is sticking the part in the oven for 20 minutes to bake the paint on. Also, I know you can buy home powder coat kits from places like Harbor Freight. I'm not sure how exactly these kits work compared to a real powder coating process, but if you need to bake the part in your oven or something, then using it for a rack or cage is obviously out of the question.

Powder coating is actually a really simple process, your best bet would be getting in touch with a local paint or metal fabrication shop. I've never actually looked into what the shop I work in charges because I get it for free, but I wouldn't expect it to be too expensive. The most time intensive part of the process is sticking the part in the oven for 20 minutes to bake the paint on. Also, I know you can buy home powder coat kits from places like Harbor Freight. I'm not sure how exactly these kits work compared to a real powder coating process, but if you need to bake the part in your oven or something, then using it for a rack or cage is obviously out of the question.

So I need to become friends with someone at the local body shop...lol

Seems like a nice route to go, I am not exactly delicate with my racks and the melamine are the only ones that have made it to this day so I also need a refresher on welding....been about 10 years since the last time I played with any of it...could do it at work after hours and take the pieces to the local body shop to be painted then just assemble. I see some sort of a plan coming together here...

So I need to become friends with someone at the local body shop...lol

Seems like a nice route to go, I am not exactly delicate with my racks and the melamine are the only ones that have made it to this day so I also need a refresher on welding....been about 10 years since the last time I played with any of it...could do it at work after hours and take the pieces to the local body shop to be painted then just assemble. I see some sort of a plan coming together here...
Just remember, steel makes melamine seem light. ;) I built a steel rack similar to an ARS style and it is HEAVY. It's on wheels and it's still hard to move around. Some day I'll get fed up enough to get off my ass and build one from aluminum.

Just remember, steel makes melamine seem light. ;) I built a steel rack similar to an ARS style and it is HEAVY. It's on wheels and it's still hard to move around. Some day I'll get fed up enough to get off my ass and build one from aluminum.

Oh yeah some heavy duty wheels and a way to bolt in each level is a must for those moving times...

I dont like using melamine because if water gets into the seams it falls apart. I hate that particle board interior. If you seal the seams you're usually ok but Im just not a fan of the product.

I use 3/4 plywood laminated with FRP. I still seal the corners but I like the FRP better. Its not water resistant, its water PROOF which I really like. Just personal preference.

Lucid, dont get me wrong I know a lot of folks build with melamine and have no issues. It just kinda makes me nervous with the stuff Ive read. Maybe Im just a nancy pants. :)

I looked into the plywood and FRP. It seems like a fairly good option for larger cages, but for the smaller ones it just didn't seem cost effective. I also don't like the fact the plywood isn't "solid". It would seem to me that it could sag over time, do you guys have that problem?

guys
melamine off gasses formaldehyde from it's cut edges, or areas routed out for heat tapes, at a much faster rate than from the coated surfaces.
if you cut it, tape the ends, no big deal. melamine tape is easily applied with a household iron, then just trim off clean with a razor or file.
also... if you use the natural properties of convection (with regard to heating) , you can virtually ensure that fresh replacement air is being drawn in ONLY from the front of the tub. (assuming your heat tape is at the back of the rack).
locate air holes in the front, and at the back only. (no side holes)
locate the front holes lower down the side of the tub than the back holes, the back holes should be as high as the tub design will allow, without compromising the structural integrity of the tub.
this will create fresh air flow on a continuous basis (as long as the heat tape is on, and actually will still create air flow to a lesser degree if the tape is off ).
as the heated air (at the back) rises, it flows out the holes located at the top on the rear of your tub.
simultaneously, the cooler fresh air that exists at the front (outside)of your tub is drawn in (through the lower holes located at the front of the tub) to replace that which is being lost out the back.
this method virtually guarantees free flowing air that will never stagnate (air will stratify in your buckets, the lower the holes in the front, the less the possibility of that EVER happening) and will always be replaced in a flow pattern from front to back.
the only possible negative that could arise from adopting this tecnique would be if there were somehow a higher concentration of noxious air in front of your rack (for the ladies, that could happen if your standing in a line for a movie, behind your partner, following an all you can eat spicey bean burrito night at the local mexican place. for the guys it would likely happen if your feeding or changing your critters immediately following the same type of soiree). or seriously, if you have exposed melamine edges at the front of your rack.
so seal those exposed edges, drill some strategically placed holes in your tubs, and don't sweat the formaldehyde ladies !
accurate, informative, simple to impliment, and logical, data brought to you by your friends at the BLBC.
ck

CK, thanks for the post. That is what I imagined, that it came from the exposed edges and not the sealed part. And thank you for a refresher on convection. lol. If it were not seriously expensive, I think it would be interesting to test the air in the tubs in my racks, but I don't think I have the time or money to do that at the moment.

CK, thanks for the post. That is what I imagined, that it came from the exposed edges and not the sealed part. And thank you for a refresher on convection. lol. If it were not seriously expensive, I think it would be interesting to test the air in the tubs in my racks, but I don't think I have the time or money to do that at the moment.

what, you don't have a pocket gas chromatographer ?
ck

what, you don't have a pocket gas chromatographer ?
ck

Nope. I lost it in the move. I suppose I might be able to find one in one of the labs around here, but I don't want to spend all day searching.

Nope. I lost it in the move. I suppose I might be able to find one in one of the labs around here, but I don't want to spend all day searching.

you really wouldn't need to.
simply adopt the basic plan outlined above, the air you breathe will be the same air your critters breathe. (hopefully that's a good thing ! )
ck

you really wouldn't need to.
simply adopt the basic plan outlined above, the air you breathe will be the same air your critters breathe. (hopefully that's a good thing ! )
ck

While in theory, it should, it would still be nifty to check out the results of some actual air samples.

So, since my tubs only have holes in the front and back and I use back heat, my racks should be fine, then, right? I just gotta get around to putting that melamine edging on a couple of them.

I only use the melamine for the shelves. To date no probs and the air in the snake house is exchanged at least 1 - 2 times a day since we leave the door open for a bit with a fan running. I only have 1 rack with solid sides but I'm fixing that as I can.

I would think the cheaper grade melamine would gas more than a higher grade but that comes from ignorance of the different adhesives used.

guys
melamine off gasses formaldehyde from it's cut edges, or areas routed out for heat tapes, at a much faster rate than from the coated surfaces.
if you cut it, tape the ends, no big deal. melamine tape is easily applied with a household iron, then just trim off clean with a razor or file.
also... if you use the natural properties of convection (with regard to heating) , you can virtually ensure that fresh replacement air is being drawn in ONLY from the front of the tub. (assuming your heat tape is at the back of the rack).
locate air holes in the front, and at the back only. (no side holes)
locate the front holes lower down the side of the tub than the back holes, the back holes should be as high as the tub design will allow, without compromising the structural integrity of the tub.
this will create fresh air flow on a continuous basis (as long as the heat tape is on, and actually will still create air flow to a lesser degree if the tape is off ).
as the heated air (at the back) rises, it flows out the holes located at the top on the rear of your tub.
simultaneously, the cooler fresh air that exists at the front (outside)of your tub is drawn in (through the lower holes located at the front of the tub) to replace that which is being lost out the back.
this method virtually guarantees free flowing air that will never stagnate (air will stratify in your buckets, the lower the holes in the front, the less the possibility of that EVER happening) and will always be replaced in a flow pattern from front to back.
the only possible negative that could arise from adopting this tecnique would be if there were somehow a higher concentration of noxious air in front of your rack (for the ladies, that could happen if your standing in a line for a movie, behind your partner, following an all you can eat spicey bean burrito night at the local mexican place. for the guys it would likely happen if your feeding or changing your critters immediately following the same type of soiree). or seriously, if you have exposed melamine edges at the front of your rack.
so seal those exposed edges, drill some strategically placed holes in your tubs, and don't sweat the formaldehyde ladies !
accurate, informative, simple to impliment, and logical, data brought to you by your friends at the BLBC.
ck

Thank you, Very good info. Was going to start building my rack this weekend now i have some changes to make. :yourock:

What is FRP?

What is FRP?


Fiberglass reinforced panel.

Those give off quite a strong resin smell when they are cut.