Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey guys I was shopping in target the other day, and I saw something that gave me an idea. I was wondering what you all thought of taking something like this and using it as a rack system. I was thinking you could run some heat cord through it, and it might work. I dont think it would work to well for baby beardies, because i dont see a way to get the UVB lighting in. but possibly geckos. I dont really see to much of a difference between this and the bookshelves with rubbermaid shoe boxes that people use, but I just wanted to see what you all thought before i tried it.


-----
1.0 Bearded Dragons
1.1 Fat tailed geckos

I suppose it would work as long as there's plenty ventilation, the temps are correct, and required uv light can be offered. (for beardies that is but not sure about other species)

Have fun!
-----
Kat

1 male beardie 'Khan'

Isnt that plastic? It would probably burn or am I thinking wrong?
-----
Cheryl

I suppose u would have to keep an eye on the tubs for burning,
but like the original poster says, they are simailar to the rubbermaid tubs that are reccommended by many beardie keepers so doesn't sound like burning is a real problem.

Up to the actual keeper themselves I suppose (whether they prefer to use plastic or glass 'tanks') or custom built vivs.

Hope that helps
-----
Kat

1 male beardie 'Khan'

I know ball python racks are plastic tubs that can be purchased at wal-mart and they are heated...

I would be carefull with basking lamps, they will melt stuff. As for storage bins , i think i may be heading to target to pick one or two up.

The wood frame that the other rack systems i have seen would probly be safer when useing a heat/basking lamp, the bin it's self would be fine i would think

Those shelving units won't be good for any lizard that requires a basking light and/or UVB light. There is no way to mount either without risk of burning the plastic. As for leopard geckos, it may be possible, though probably difficult to set up heat tape/cord around each bin (deffinitely will need to use a theromstat to ensure the cord/tape doesn't get too hot and burn the lizard or melt the plastic).

THe shelving units I know have been used to breed mice though some modification may be needed to attach water bottles etc, and to esure the mice can't squeeze out between the shelves (or chew through them).

With extra ventilation added, these plastic shelves would make great insect rearing containers, especially those that cannot climb plastic, jump high enough to get out etc. Some roach species, silkworms, mealworms, superworms, maybe crickets can be reared in them (young crickets, before getting more than a quarter inch, may do well in those cages, before they get big enough to jump out).
-----
PHLdyPayne

Other than the heating issues, which others have mentioned, just watch out for escaping. I have a few of these (not used as animal racks, just for normal storage of pens and paper and stuff that can't climb out....)
My biggest worry would be ventilation.
And, if you do go for them, be careful of tipping-- it can be tricky to remove the top drawers without toppling the whole thing, depending on the mechanism used.

I use a similar one for my Leos. I run heat along the back. BTW, the lizards would cook long before the plastic will melt or burn...

It works pretty well for me, but like the others have said it would be impossible to add uv light. Plus, beardies are too large for the rack like you showed. Also, it wouldn't work well for species that like to climb.

But my Leos seem to do very well.

Good luck,
Indiana_Dan

Hey guys thanks for all the replies! I hadnt't intended to use the rack for beardies because, like we have all agreed, it would be impossible for you to have a basking spot and UV lighting. I was actually thinking about using it for fat tails that i have been thinkin about breeding(1 reg, 1 amel, 1 het). I posted over here because it is the only forum active enough to get replies. I posted the same post in the gecko forum and only got one reply lol. Thanks again for all the advice!
-----
1.0 Bearded Dragons
1.1 Fat tailed geckos