ARS and Freedom breeder

[Denial]

OK I have been looking at these racks for well over a year now and they seem perfect I mean I can house up to 30 snakes in a spot in the room where Im currently housing 15 with 3 pvc racks. I could actually fit two of the cb70 racks in the same spot so that would be 60 tubs. Im looking for people that own or have used both fb and ars and what you liked and disliked about them. And which you would recommend. I was a little hesitant at first becuase of the open air system but I watched alot of ralph davis videos about how he insulates them and everything so I feel I could get the desired temps. I just love how professional they look and they look extremely easy to clean and care for but I just dont know which company to go with. I was thinking about buying one level from both companys and kind of testing them out to see which one I like better. BUt I was just wondering if anyone had any input on the systems. Thanks

[monk90222]

I have an ARS rack and I also am about to buy a freedom breeder rack (used).
I like both systems, they are pretty much the same.
I like the ARS grey tubs for the ball pythons, I don't even use a hide in them. The option for the built in cup holder is a neat option if you are using aspen or mulch bedding. If you are using paper, its a pain to fold up the paper to get around the holders (and the snakes usually move the folded paper in no time)

The problem with both racks are humidity. I had to run a room humidifier to maintain the proper humidity.
I think they both make great products, but shipping is expensive, unless you can pick up at a show.

[Denial]

What about the new tops that fb has? Shouldnt that help the humidity alot?

[Wh00h0069]

I have a freedom breeder "style" rack. It is from the original design with the open-air grate type top. The company that made the rack was Adjustable Breeder Rack, which is not longer in business. I did not like the rack too well. I had a lot of issues with to much humidity escaping from the tops. I tried closing the tops off with insulation, but that didn't work. I had a lot of issues with my ball pythons going off feed. I believe because so much light was entering from all sides, since all sides are open. Once I moved them into 32 and 28 quart RBI and homemade racks, most went right back on food.

From my understanding, Freedom Breeder has a new top for their racks that should solve the humidity issue. The open sides may still be an issue though.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and keep us updated.

[twh]

have you considered visions? much less to purchase and ship and with heating options the others don't offer.

with any type of open air rack controlling room temp and humidity is essential,then tweaking the final setting with the rack works best.have fun!

[coldbloodaddict]

I spent over 3 grand on a FB CB 70 rack...Sold that piece of ish a few months later for around a grand I hated it so much.

The humidity is an issue...I even had plastic covering the tops...Didn't help!

The runners are all different...Some the gap is too tight the tub will hardly go on and some where so loose the tub would almost fall out...Had to go through with a rubber mallet and beat all the runners in place.

I've also had horrible issues with My Vision racks and will never buy one of those again!!!

My favorite racks are from Boaphile!!!

[Denial]

I have looked at vision racks but I dont really like the look of them and Ive heard they are a bit flimsy. I dont mind the pvc racks im just trying to find ways to save on space

[AjBalls]

I use the ARS and will continue to buy them from Brian as my collection grows. I never really have problems with humidity and have perfect sheds (unless I forget to mist). I did not like the look of the old Freedom Breeder racks at all. I have a couple friends that used them and they all said the biggest pain was humidity and their snakes would screw up they faces when the pushed on the metal mesh. But the new FB's look better with the adjustable vents, or whatever. I haven't heard from anybody buying the new ones yet. I'll be checking them out though.

Vision rack are too light/wobbly for my liking. I also own a PVC rack from Jasons-Jungle. Has been good the first couple years, but lately the bottom shelves have been sagging and has made it a pain to push/pull the tubs out without spilling water bowls that I just filled.

[Denial]

Thanks im hoping to get to check out ars racks in daytona next weekend

[euphuistical]

I am going to be buying a pro-made rack soon and think I am going with ARS. Seems like the best deal and really nice looking racks.

I have a 4 story home made melamime rack and I'm not sure if I should get the 7030 ARS or the 3033 one. I guess the 7033 makes more sense since eventually all my BPs will grow up and need that size of a tub , and I can use my hand made rack for hatchlings and any other smallish snakes I get. Though I've never seen an ARS in person I may just be able to slide in a smaller tub in to the rack and problem solved.

Also I dong need grounded wires for an ARS right?

Any idea of when the 34x17 tubs will no longer stress a BP? 500g? 750g?

Thanks
peace