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.

I use locking lids on the very top of the racks when I run out of room, and keep extras around if I have a new snake come in and needs a QT. As well. I keep around a few extra lids, at least enough for two shelves, as depending on your rack sometimes they can bow and you find you have extra gaps at the top of a tub... if you have a smaller (or very determined snake) it is good to have the option of throwing a lid on to kill the gap (sheets of cut chloroplast work well for this too mind you.

But no, in the racks I do not use them. Having to haul all those tubs out to attend to each snake is too much extra work (spilled water, etc).

Bruce

I cant stand using lids on my tubs in a rack.

Gotta say no lids, just makes life easier.

No to lids for me. Everyone made great points. :)

One vote for yes lids!! well its cuz i built my rack to be able to hold 2 different sizes of tubs in each slot, jus in case, so i have to use a lid, plus i got a cat and a dog, so makes me feel safe for the guys on the bottom of the rack you know, plus.....
i dunno thats bout i guess

I use them, if it's too much hassle to remove them to check on your animal that just means your lazy. :rofl:

I've used them both ways, I much MUCH prefer a lidless system. Sure, a lid will give you a greater feeling of security, but if your rack is built correctly in the first place it's just not needed. You also have less to wash with a lidless system which to me is a HUGE plus.

If you buy a professional rack or build one yourself and know how to use a measuring tape properly, there's no need for lids and no higher risk of an escape without one. For me and Mike one of the benefits of going to racks was the tossing out all those lids which for me were more of a worry and hassle. I never trusted a clip lid anyways, so every tub lid had at least 4 big black binder clips on it. That's a LOT of clips to remove and remember to put back on. We had more issues with escapes with lids than we've ever had since we went to lidless racks.

Both of my rack systems require the usage of the lids. I don't find them to be annoying, but then again, that is most likely due to the habit of using them for almost two years now.

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Originally Posted by southb

I use them, if it's too much hassle to remove them to check on your animal that just means your lazy. :rofl:

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Hey your right :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Daniel

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Originally Posted by southb

I use them, if it's too much hassle to remove them to check on your animal that just means your lazy. :rofl:

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that's why i use racks anyway. :cool:

if i were to use lids, i'd have no reason to have a rack system. i could simply stack totes. slide out caging is great, i keep a few extras so in the event of mess, i simply swap, take the dirty tub out to be hosed. lazy? of course! easy? you bet! :salute:

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Originally Posted by Spaniard

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.

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You hit the nail on the head. My dad and I built my rack for 41qt tubs and my dad didn't listen to my measurement, but the measurements on the tub--which of course included the lid. I can't put the tubs into the rack without the lid or the snakes can escape...and man is it a pain in the butt to have to pull the tub completely out, set it down and remove the lid to check on the animals every single time. It results in a LOT of spilled water and is overall a pain in the rump. I'd advise against it.

I say no lids! I would find it annoying to have to take a lid off of each tub to check the snake, water, temp... It would take to long to do that with lids. I check them everyday and before I had the racks it was a pain in the butt with the tubs and lids.

We have 6 racks, 4 for breeders and 2 for babies, we didn't use the lids to build any of them. To me that would take away the reason for having a rack to use to begin with. There is no way I could deal with having to take the lids off every time I needed into the tub. If the rack is built good then you shouldn't have to worry about the snakes getting out. We have never had one get out.

Im building a rack just so i dont have to use these stupid lids anymore! lol

I built my rack to fit the tubs with lids. I don't have a room just for the snakes, and I have a 2 year old running around. The lids give me extra security to keep her from setting the snakes in the lower tubs free. ;)

I don't use lids for my 32 and 41-quart tubs. For the smaller shoeboxes, I do use the lids. It is a great fit with their lids on, and a spare, small piece of melamine under the shoebox tub; then when they outgrow that, I can just use the same space (minus the melamine sheet below the shoeboxes) for the larger tubs!

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Originally Posted by Seneschal

You hit the nail on the head. My dad and I built my rack for 41qt tubs and my dad didn't listen to my measurement, but the measurements on the tub--which of course included the lid. I can't put the tubs into the rack without the lid or the snakes can escape...and man is it a pain in the butt to have to pull the tub completely out, set it down and remove the lid to check on the animals every single time. It results in a LOT of spilled water and is overall a pain in the rump. I'd advise against it.

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Cut some pieces of particle board/plywood and put them under the tubs. 1/4" should do it. That'll fix you up. :)

No need for lids in a rack system. It would be such a pain to have to pull it out all the way and then take off a lid too. I've never had a BP escape.

I ened up getting a rack ultimately. also who bumped this?

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Originally Posted by twh

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 !

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I use lids in all my racks ! And yes they do add security in a way the snake can't move the tub around that's one reason i went with the lids on the tubs.

It takes an extra 30 seconds to take the lid off stop being lazy :rolleye2:

Well I am using the lids but I pefer no lids.

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Originally Posted by Haydenphoto

It takes an extra 30 seconds to take the lid off stop being lazy :rolleye2:

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yes, but it's much more convenient to be able to only slide the tub out halfway to do spot cleaning and water changes. if you used lids you would have to remove the entire tub and set it down elsewhere to take off the lid. in my opinion, a pain in the tush because then you have to worry about spilling the water. also it's nice to just pull out the tub like a drawer and be able to remove the snake whenever you feel like it

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Originally Posted by Haydenphoto

I use lids in all my racks ! And yes they do add security in a way the snake can't move the tub around that's one reason i went with the lids on the tubs.

It takes an extra 30 seconds to take the lid off stop being lazy :rolleye2:

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lids really make no sense to me. imagine having lets say 100 tubs... times your 30 seconds (which is a gross underestimate) and you have a big waste of time on your hands.

no lids for you!

NO LID

EASIER to work, clean and feed.

There is no reason to go with a LID. Otherwise, you need to always get the entire tub out and then open it, get the snake out to clean, put the snake back and put it back in the rack.

While I can just slid the tub and see if it's need to be cleaned or not. I can do that for the entire rack way faster. It's also easier when it's feeding time.

With lids or no lids, there is no difference in air circulation, you need to make holes no matter what. Cause the tub will be squeezed between the shelves.

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Originally Posted by katia

yes, but it's much more convenient to be able to only slide the tub out halfway to do spot cleaning and water changes. if you used lids you would have to remove the entire tub and set it down elsewhere to take off the lid. in my opinion, a pain in the tush because then you have to worry about spilling the water. also it's nice to just pull out the tub like a drawer and be able to remove the snake whenever you feel like it

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Originally Posted by extensive

lids really make no sense to me. imagine having lets say 100 tubs... times your 30 seconds (which is a gross underestimate) and you have a big waste of time on your hands.

no lids for you!

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Well i use the lids and here is why ! I have had snakes move the tubs on the rack i had with no lids. Lets just say i came home and Grrr the tub was moved and the snake was gone thank god the snake was only gone for about an hour . So at that point i made all my racks with lids - And yes its only about 30sec longer to clean them up :)

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Originally Posted by Haydenphoto

Well i use the lids and here is why ! I have had snakes move the tubs on the rack i had with no lids. Lets just say i came home and Grrr the tub was moved and the snake was gone thank god the snake was only gone for about an hour . So at that point i made all my racks with lids - And yes its only about 30sec longer to clean them up :)

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That's interesting - I've never had any of mine move their tubs.

Lidless for me! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Haydenphoto

Well i use the lids and here is why ! I have had snakes move the tubs on the rack i had with no lids. Lets just say i came home and Grrr the tub was moved and the snake was gone thank god the snake was only gone for about an hour . So at that point i made all my racks with lids - And yes its only about 30sec longer to clean them up :)

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that's why you use pins in front of each tub!

I kinda like the lids :) I have about 24 snakes now and im so used to having the lids no reason to not make my new racks lidless !