A couple Rack Questions

What is the difference and/or pros and cons between these: Iris, Sterilite, Rubbermaid? Is one better than the other?

I also noticed most racks that are built come with the option of back heat or belly heat. From my understanding belly heat is preferential, is this the case with racks?

I can't really tell you the dif between all those brands, but I can say sterilite is cheaper and comes from Walmart, I use them and am thinking of upgrading and building a newer better rack out of xpvc.

Now, the difference between belly and back heat depends on the animal. Belly heat works best for balls. Also I've heard of people using back heat having problems getting enough of the back of the tub at the proper temp. I personally would say stick to belly heat, it's awesome IMO!!!


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I've heard that people like IRIS bins because they tend not to change their designs so new bins won't be tough to find if you need new ones. Rubbermaid and sterilite change their bins dimensions more frequently so if you need bins in the future, it may be tough finding the bins you need. Also with regards to heat tape location, if you have a heated python room and you are looking to make the back of the bins warmer than back heat works fine. If you just have a rack in a living of bedroom then belly heat works much better. More of the heat goes into the bins and your snakes will me much happier. Just my .02


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I prefer iris bins over any other.They are smooth with no grooves,indentions etc. I prefer belly heat.

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Having tubs sizes change basically makes that rack useless if you need to replace the tubs at some point. Iris tubs rarely change there are also racks designed off food prep bins that are designed to fit restraunt tables and holding units and they are universal sizes and also do not change.

Back heat or belly does not matter as long as you can hold the correct temps. I have a rack in a cool room (below 68ºF) back will not heat the tubs to the correct temps with out running the flexwatt over the manufacturers suggested max temp (95-100ºF) belly heat is more direct and heat loss is lower. Based on my experience and difficulties I have maintaining a rack in cool temps I would STRONGLY urge you against this keep the rack in a room that is heat at or close to the correct ambient air temps. (80ºF)

Iris are smooth no grove and generally do not change their design - A little more expensive and harder to find locally

Sterilite and rubbermaid have groves both company re-design their tubs every so often also when they do the rack manufacturer change their rack as well (AP for example) - They are not as expensive and can be picked up locally very easily (Sterilite being more widely available when it comes to tubs like 6 quarts for hatchling racks and 41 quarts for adult racks)

As far as heat remember that heat travels up so belly heat make more sense as there is no heat loss like when using back heat, it will also depend on the ambient temp of your room, in colder room you want to use belly heat, it also depends on the size of the tubs, with 6 quarts tubs you may want back heat as belly heat may not allow you to give much temp gradient etc.

I use belly heat for everything hatchling and adult, the belly heat on the hatchlings is kept at 86.

Another question: Looking at this website, some of the Iris racks have the option to purchase casters, what are these?

http://www.apcages.com/

casters are wheels

wheels as in the rack it's self is on wheels?

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Originally Posted by martin82531

wheels as in the rack it's self is on wheels?

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Yup. The one on my AP rack are locking too. Makes it easy to wheel around.
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