Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking into rack systems for leopard geckos...

First question, what is the generic rubbermaid people use for them in individuals and breeding colonies and babies? And where do they sell them on and offline?

Second, heating, leos need underbelly, what kind of heating can I use without melting the rubbermaids?

Third, anyone know a post/site where I can find easy rack plans for these that don't require tablesaws or other heavy duty powertools?

First answer: Rubbermaid isn't making new boxes at the moment. If you want to make a rack, go out and buy the boxes you like and build the rack around those. Get extra. Boxes first, rack second.

Second answer:
Boxes are made of polypropylene for the most part, and this stuff melts easily. You need a thermostat. Period. This is how you keep the animals from cooking and boxes from melting. Contact Big Apple Herp , Helix, GCS, etc. Controllers are on the classifieds here on kingsnake.com all the time, so there is no excuse for not getting one and overheating your animals.

Third answer:
You can get those ready-made melamine shelves to make a rack. Then you don't need a table saw. The catch is you are at the mercy of the shelf size offered. Use Flexwatt mylar-coated heater for easiest method. This is available at The Bean Farm, Big Apple, LLL, etc etc.

What about buying racks online? No tools required.

I am a college student so I don't have the cash to buy prebuilt racks...

What kind of heat can the boxes take before melting? Better to be safe than sorry, but I don't imagine going over 90-100

They can take 90-100 without melting.

Also, any online sites you know of that sell that shelving? I haven't had much luck.