To use the tops for the tubs, or not to use the tops for the tubs...

I was at walmart checking out their 44q tubs and they're pretty nice, it says 6" tall but I measured and they're 5.5" without the lid. So I was wondering, should I use lids for when I build my rack system or just go with an open top like i see many others do? What do you guys do?

I think it would get annoying to have to take off the top everytime I wanted to check in on the condition of the tubs. Yea the tubs are clear but when they're in a rack it gets pretty dark and hard to see if there are any urates present ect.

Without the tubs you can just slide it out half way give a quick peek do what you gotta do and be done with it.

It all depends on the type of rack you want to build. If you want more of a shelving unit, then you should leave the lids on (or if you, like me, are placing a tub on the top shelf of a rack). But, if you intend to build a typical rack with the basic 1/8" spacing then you leave the lids off and simply slide the tubs. This 'drawer' rack requires more precision in measurements and caution in building, but it is nice to just be able to slide the tub out an inch or so to peek in for messes. :)

I have a rack with each option.

I prefer no lids. Make cleaning day so much easier and more time efficient. I hate the few lids I have to deal with!

having lids takes away from the convenience of having a rack. If I had to pull each tub completely out of the rack to do simple maintenance or feeding it would be a headache.

i can't think of any reason to leave the lids on for BP's,and lids don't add any security IMO.have fun !

If I had less than 5 snakes I guess I would keep the lids on so I wouldn't be compulsively checking to see if any of the snakes could get out and since there are so little snakes it wouldn't be too huge of a deal for spot-cleaning/checking up on them. If I had more though I would keep the lids of just so it would be easier to check-up on them. ;)

Lids for a rack system defeats the purpose and convenience of having a rack system. I say no lids.

I built my first rack (now my baby rack) to use the lids and the 2nd (adult rack) to not use them. Definately go with NO LIDS! I go insane pulling lids off 16 tubs every week. Save yourself the trouble. I don't think they ad security either.