I re-purposed one of my Plano boxes that I was not using because the internal dividers did not work for me. This storage solution stores my hybrid frogs really well. But! I feel strange buying new Plano boxes so that I can modify them via high speed rotary tool. Hence, I purchased an open compartment utility box form Plano and made my own internal dividers.
Making your own internal dividers is easy. You only need an open utility box, a sheet of paper, cardboard, and a recycled corrugated vinyl sign. In addition, you also need some simple tools: ruler, scissor, utility knife, fine tip Sharpie, and two clips.
First, make two templates for the inner dimensions of your box via paper and scissors. One template for the length and height and one template for the width and height.
Second, place the paper templates onto cardboard and secure them via clips. Trace the outline of the templates onto the cardboard via fine tip Sharpie. Cut along the Sharpie lines via utility knife. Be sure to have a piece of scrap plywood (or a similar material) underneath the cardboard so that you do not damage the underlying surface.
Third, make the interlocking slots on the “length” cardboard divider template. Divide the length of the template into three equal segments and mark it via fine tip Sharpie. At the two marked interlocking points, cut slots to half the height of the divider and to the width that will accommodate the thickness of your corrugated vinyl sign.
Forth, make the interlocking slots on the “width” cardboard divider templates. At each end of the the template, cut slots to half the height of the divider and to the width that will accommodate the thickness of your corrugated vinyl sign.
Fifth, place the cardboard templates on your vinyl sign such that the internal ribs are perpendicular to the templates. Secure the cardboard templates to the vinyl sign via clips. Trace the templates onto the sign via via fine tip Sharpie. Cut along the Sharpie lines via utility knife. For the “length” dividers, cut the two internal ribs at each end. This will help the dividers bend at each curved corner of the utility box.
And lastly, connect the dividers inside the utility box. Trim and make adjustments via utility knife, as needed.
This inexpensive DIY storage solution effectively quarantines my hybrid frogs so that they do not mate, infect their colors onto their neighbors, or damage their delicate feet.
