freedom breeder racks vs. others (opinions plz!)

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Originally Posted by jhall1468

Jamie, have you noticed a major difference between the Freedom Breeders and ARS Caging. I'm reviewing my replacement options for the racks I lost and I'm seriously considering moving to open racks, and I'm left with these two as an option. Unfortunately, pictures don't give you a great idea of what the differences are.

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Here are my thoughts, as unbiased as I can possibly be. I am very familiar with both racks and there are a lot of similarities and very few differences. I don't think Brian at ARS would deny that his rack was based on the Freedom Breeders that have been the gold standard for breeder racks for many years. Both racks are made of powder coated steel tubing. Both racks use 3" (I believe although it might be 4") heat tape secured to the underside of a piece of metal that is velcroed to each level so that the tubs don't ever touch the heat tape. Both racks are an open air design but FB levels have way more ventilation holes. This could be a problem if you have a low humidity room but that is a judgement call. I happen to think the ARS tubs slide much better than the FB. In the end, the pricing is very similar and the design is pretty similar. Either one will last you pretty much forever. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

I have an ARS 10 high rack. I love it but I am 6'1" tall and with the casters on, the top tub is over my head, the next tub is eye level. Just keep that in mind. I need a stepstool to use the top tub.

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Originally Posted by jim020cricket

Freedom Breeders are, IMO, the best out there...although for the best you generally have to pay the best price.

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I agree.

-adam

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Originally Posted by jglass38

I don't think you can go wrong either way.

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That's kind of how I'm seeing it. I like them both, but may end up spending the few extra bucks on the FB... but thanks for the reply :).

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Originally Posted by jhall1468

That's kind of how I'm seeing it. I like them both, but may end up spending the few extra bucks on the FB... but thanks for the reply :).

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No problem!

if i had the freedom breeder rack in a room that the temperature is 70 degrees would the 3" heat tape on each level be enough to heat each tub to a the proper temp??

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Originally Posted by bigballs

if i had the freedom breeder rack in a room that the temperature is 70 degrees would the 3" heat tape on each level be enough to heat each tub to a the proper temp??

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Not likely without supplemental room heat. That is an extremely cold room. I would suggest an oil filled radiator hooked up to a Ranco or Johnsons tstat. Get your room up to around 82 or so and then you'll be good to go with the FB.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

That is an extremely cold room.

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No doubt!

bigballs, is your snake room at 70 right now?

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Originally Posted by Uncle Festae

No doubt!

bigballs, is your snake room at 70 right now?

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unfortunately it is in my basement and i dont have a room heater right now. the enclosures reach proper temps and humidity but it is a little difficult to keep humidity levels constant.

i have a little area in my basement that is maybe 6ft x 6ft and open on one side i was thinking of putting up a curtain on the open side and putting a space heater inside. hopefully it will reach 80-82 in there and i can put my new rack in it.

does that sound like a good idea??

the fb and ars racks are designed to be used in climate controlled rooms. where temps and humidity are controlled and stable.


big, i would get an oil filled heater or two and get the basement temps up for those style racks (open air).
instead of a curtain, i would build 2x4 walls and just make a smaller room. insulation is your friend, it will help alot with temps.


vaughn