Opinion on purchasing used Rack and Incubator

[Missvan]

I was planning on meeting with someone later this evening to look at an 11-shelf rack system and incubator (ZooMed Reptibator Digital Egg Incubator). According the the previous owner, he housed his Ball Python collection in the rack and just recently sold of his collection. He states that they were all healthy and there are no issues with either item (they are both functioning correctly). Looking at an AP rack with 12 shelves, I'd be looking at $695 + shipping. He is selling these two items together for under $300. Is the price reasonable for a used rack system (I'm assuming it is), and are there a lot of risks associated with buying a used system? Do you think it is worth it? I'm supposed to meet with him around 5, so any answers you can give me before then would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if I DO get the rack (if you answered "yes, go for it!"), how would I go about cleaning it? I would obviously bleach the tubs, but how would I clean the actual shelf unit and the incubator? Thanks!

[Solarsoldier001]

I was planning on meeting with someone later this evening to look at an 11-shelf rack system and incubator (ZooMed Reptibator Digital Egg Incubator). According the the previous owner, he housed his Ball Python collection in the rack and just recently sold of his collection. He states that they were all healthy and there are no issues with either item (they are both functioning correctly). Looking at an AP rack with 12 shelves, I'd be looking at $695 + shipping. He is selling these two items together for under $300. Is the price reasonable for a used rack system (I'm assuming it is), and are there a lot of risks associated with buying a used system? Do you think it is worth it? I'm supposed to meet with him around 5, so any answers you can give me before then would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if I DO get the rack (if you answered "yes, go for it!"), how would I go about cleaning it? I would obviously bleach the tubs, but how would I clean the actual shelf unit and the incubator? Thanks!

never bought a used incubator. But that's because they are pretty expensive regardless. we made our own. as for rack systems. We have bought them from previous owners in good and bad condition. Depending on the condition is how much you have to fix it. But we got a 12 level 41qt vision rack system for like $150 or $200 I think. And I thought that was a decent price

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It' s a good price, as far as concerns all you need to do is give the rack a good cleaning, I would bleach the rack and the tubs and inspect the heat element to make sure there is no wear and tear.

[Coleslaw007]

I HAVE bought a used rack before when I was a total newb and just getting into balls, turned out fine, although I got seriously overcharged :/

I'd say go for it and just disinfect well before use. I'd personally probably use a very high concentration of F-10 solution, I love the stuff.

[Missvan]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely be going to take a look at it and *hopefully* bring it home. The incubator itself is currently retailing for $115 (including tax) on Amazon, but the owner isn't sure about the brand of rack. I forgot to ask whether or not he was the first owner or not, but I'll ask when I see it. So, it's okay for me to bleach/F-10 the actual shelf (even if it's wood)?

Sorry for all of the questions. I did look up a few other threads on how to clean a rack, and, from what I gathered, people use a 1:10 bleach to water solution to clean, but some questions weren't answered. My questions are: 1) if I'm using it on the actual shelves (let's say they're wood), is it safe to leave on for an extended period of time and do I have to rinse it off completely, 2) would you only bleach the part of the shelf that the snake could touch, or would it need to be a full, extensive cleaning, and 3) if it does need to be extensively clean, do I just avoid the heat tape?

Edit: If I use F-10 (which I'm not even sure where I'd buy that), what would the protocol be with that disinfectant?

[Missvan]

So, I purchased the rack and it appears to be an Animal Plastics Iris CB70 12-shelf with fully working heat tape (new tape from manufacturer was replaced about 2 years ago), a Helix thermostat, and 10 Iris tubs. I also got the ZooMed Incubator, which is only 6 months old. They are both in amazing condition and came from a very clean environment! I am still sanitizing everything as a precaution, but I saw the snakes previously in it and they are all appear healthy. The guy also included a box of "goodies" including a few heat lamps, vermiculite, a Powersun UV bulb (from a different reptile), and a few other things I haven't looked through yet. He sold everything for $230! I'm definitely glad I listened to the few who said to get it and thank you for reassuring me. I was initially worried that it would come from a no-so-hot environment, but it is really nice, especially for the price! Here is a picture on the ad he posted - haven't taken any with it all cleaned out yet.

[Coleslaw007]

That's a sweet rack and a steal of a price!

[B76]

Awesome. Great find

[youbeyouibei]

That's an INSANE price for that rack! I have that exact same model, minus tubs and the rack itself, with dual side 11" heat tape was over $800. Great buy and glad you bit the bullet on getting it; that's an awesome deal!

[Missvan]

Coleslaw007: Thanks - I'm super excited to get it all cleaned out and setup! Also, thank you for the advice with the F10. I've owned birds before, and never heard of this cleaning solution! Apparently it's super popular with them, since birds have such fragile respiratory systems. I will be ordering some soon (most likely from a bird website) and will be using it for regular cleaning. Do you have a particular place you order from that you like doing business with?

Youbeyouibei: Thank you and I'm so glad I did, too! I think the person selling was just trying to get it out of the door as quickly as possible and money wasn't really a huge factor (if I can judge anything by their house - it was beautiful!). They were really nice and threw in a bunch of extra stuff as well. I finally went through the rest of the "goody bin" and found there were 2 extra bulbs, 8 thermometer/hydrometers, a digital timer power strip, tongs, and a few other items I'm sure I'm forgetting. I usually don't get good deals like this, so I'm *crossing my fingers* and hoping that something doesn't go terribly wrong with it.