Any disadvantage to tops on tubs?

I was just wondering if there is any disadvantage to having tops on the bp's tubs? I'm assuming not, with proper ventilation for the snakes, but just wanted to get some other opinions.

Do you mean when you are using them in a rack system? Usually people just like to slide out the tub insdead of sliding it out and then opening up the top.

When I used tubs individually. I used the tops of them with the locking clips just fine. I put the ventelation on the side of the tub (soldered holes in).

Yes, in a rack it's a pain. You have to pull the tub completely out to reach into the tub. If you are building your own I strongly advise you to not use the tops.

Never bothered me until I built a sideways rack and put 41qt tubs in, one of them has to have a lid and it drives me up the WALL

I am considering building a rack system, but also considering just buying a cheaper rubbermaid rack and putting belly heat on the tubs just to save a little cash. I guess I will just put up with having to take the whole tub out. As far as the heat tape under the tub, does it just slide right on top of the flexwatt or should there be a small gap between the tape and the tub? Thx!

Personally I think you should just go ahead and make a rack :) They are lovely once you have them. So easy!
You can actually make them pretty cheaply too. I spent around $300 on mine, mostly because I used some fancier wood and hardware on mine.

I think you could easily complete the whole thing for under $200. :)

I just slide my tubs in right over the flexwatt, there is a tiny gap because of the feet of the tub, but that is it.