Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which do you prefer? They look to be fairly similar... any specific pros / cons?

Do the drawers operate smoothly? I seem to remember on them sticking quite a bit on some of the older FBs that I've seen.

Thanks.

I like the ARS racks better. I have both brands. Here are the pros for ARS racks.

1. TUBS slide much easier.
2. Levels separate much easier.
3. They are cheaper.

Thanks for the info. Do you use the semi-clear or opaque tubs for the ARS? It seems like with the reduced vent holes, the tubs would always be very dark inside if the opaque ones were used. Also, do you have the molded in water bowls?

I use the opaque. The ball pythons don't need the lighting. All of my snakes have done fine.

I didn't get the molded water bowls though. I like placing my waterbowls in a different location.

Overall they are excellent racks.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Also in order to increase the ventilation I cover 75 percent of the meshed top with the FB racks.

I don't have to do that with the ARS racks.

I have been trying to think of something to cover some of the ventilation with on the FB rack. I live in Arizona, so I fight VERY hard to keep humidity levels up.
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Ryan Sherman
Scottsdale, Arizona

Go with Freedom Breeder! You got to ask yourself is this guy ars going to be around in a few years to help service your racks. Plus Freedom Breeder is the orginator of this style of racks. There have been some improvements every year on the FB racks. I just like supporting the guy that came up with the idea, just my opinion. Good luck

I like both. I have FB, but I will be getting an ARS in the next 3-6 months. I think they will do alot better on holding humidity. They are just as nicely constructed as the FB but cost less. I don't know about the molded water dishes in the ARS tubs. I use newspaper for substrate and it would be difficult to use with that fixed water dish there. It may work out great for someone who uses a loose bedding product like snai-chips or something. I would get the clear tubs if you go with the ARS rack. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Do you have any shedding issues with the FB racks? It seems like the mesh tops would not hold anything in humidity-wise. Are there options for other, less ventilated tops?

I have both and there is no comparrison. The ARS rack in my opinion is much better quality. They have options for tubs, heat and other things that others do not. The rack is better manufactured with levels that are not warped and fit into each other and come apart as they should. Drawers slide in and out without getting stuck. Best is the ventilation. With more goodies you get the rack for the same price or cheaper than others units as well.

I am in S. Florid and do get shedding problems from timr to time. I am going to have to get a humidifier. There are alot of additional items that ARS offer to control the humidity the the prvious poster said. The ARS does look VERY well constructed.

I have not used neither of teh racks. I have seen both and check them out. I like the ARS racks best. I am going to have a new ARS rodent rack in the pet store that opening here. If I had the money Iwould have ARS systems for every thing snakes and rodents.
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Thanks and Take Care
Thomas Jones
Thomas@rockinreptiles.com

I have two ARS racks and they way better in my opinion than FB. I was looking for a rack but was never happy with the "problems" the FB's came with; ie humidity, tub sticking, levels don't fit right. Found ARS and bought one the next day. Also talked with the owner Brian Hahn for a couple of hours at the Anaheim show, and he was very interested in how his racks were doing and if there were anything he could do to help make his racks better. Lot's of options come with the racks. I have the semi-clear tubs with cupholders and they work wonderful.

My ARS racks work great. I have the semi-clear tubs with the built in water wowl receptacles.