Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We are running out of space here and are looking to buy a 20-30 tub rack for hatchlings/juveniles and I'm wondering what to buy. I've heard such great things about Freedom Breeder but wow are they pricey. Are they really that spectacular or are you "buying the logo" to a large degree?

Any other recommendations? I've looked at Vision Racks as well but I've heard bad things about heat cable (fire danger) so I'm not sure if I would purchase from them.

All opinions welcome!

They have a 75 Tub Rack for about 1k cheaper than FB ... I saw them at the Hamburg show and they are nice ...

Eric

I think FB has been around quite a while (comparatively) and also they have a great product. Just like everything else, you pay for the quality and a little more if it's got a name behind it.

Now-days tho there are a lot more options on racks and makers - from open racks to closed racks from PVC to Wood. Shop around and find what you like. When we started we built our racks for about $400 (total- wood, tubs,heat, accessories ) for a 20 snake set up. If you are not inclined to do that kind of work - (GOD melemine is heavy) then I guess thats not an option.

After our move we will be going to an open rack system so we can house more snakes in a smaller area - and we will be going with Visions - we have heard nothing but excellent comments on their racks for the past year and whatever since they have been out. I have used the heat cable in other uses before and can tell you from my expereince - that if used correctly there is no more "fire hazard" with the heat cable than any of the other heating methods.

Hope some of this helps.
-----
Tosha

"Nihil facimus sed id bene facimus"

6.42.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Anakin Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python (Verdi)
0.1.0 Bredls Python (Smurfette)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Desert Tortoise (Pope John Paul aka JP )
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.0 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.1 Lizard of unknown origin

I have a freedom breeder 21 tub set up that I picked up used for $1200. I had to buy some plexi glass to cover the tops so I could keep it humid in the tubs. Freedom Breeders are known for drying out. I saw the Rhino Rax at the Chicago show and purchased a 15 drawer sweater box and love it. No more moisture problem and they are not as heavy as many other racks and they are made of Black plastic which also helps keep it darker inside and the snakes feel more comfortable.

Hope this helps.

Gary

Thanks for the advice. It gave me even MORE to think about for this next rack!

I have a vision rack on order and am waiting anxiously for it to arrive, what have you heard about fire hazards with heat tape? I wouldn't think it would be any more of a fire hazard then flex watt.

>>We are running out of space here and are looking to buy a 20-30 tub rack for hatchlings/juveniles and I'm wondering what to buy. I've heard such great things about Freedom Breeder but wow are they pricey. Are they really that spectacular or are you "buying the logo" to a large degree?
>>
>>Any other recommendations? I've looked at Vision Racks as well but I've heard bad things about heat cable (fire danger) so I'm not sure if I would purchase from them.
>>
>>All opinions welcome!

and they are fine . No peoblems at all. On the caging forum the new heat cable is very well recieved. Somone may be confused with the new heat cable v the old pipe heat cable. You can search the habitat and caging forum for more. I would rest easy. AP has you run it for a short while upon initial setup of their rack w/o a thrmostat. I have never heard of a problem with it and would like to hear specifics if anyone has any first hand knowledge.Chris Harper and Matt Campell over on the caging Forum are very "in the know" kind of guys and very helpful.
Bob.