Ideal Tub size for ASF rack

[ThyTempest]

The dimensions on the V35 are pretty similar to large variations in both brands. Is there a particular reason you think you are going with Vision tubs instead of the locally available and cheaper litter pans? I assume they are better quality/thicker/stronger, but the Doskocil pans especially felt pretty sturdy.

[littleindiangirl]

Well, when we built our rack from the large vanness, the sides of the vanness tubs are made to bow outwards a bit, and this is a problem with the pan falling out of the rails.

Plus, I have decided I want some visibility to see the ASF's when I walk in, just to make sure everything is okay without opening the tubs individually.

Oh, and chris is making snake racks pretty much the same way as he would for our rat racks, so he has the plans already and can cut everything out with machines. It's cheaper and easier for him to do it this way, where there isn't that goofy bowing of the sides.

Other than that, I like the size of them. So yea. I think the V35 are like the same price as Vanness, or close to it. Not too much more really.

Floor space is 17.5" x 12.5" (roughly)

[chromeitout]

I don't have any ASFs, but I do breed mice. I use the Van Ness large pans with 1.5. I can grow about 3 litters out to weanlings in a tub with the adults. The bowing in of these pans is annoying. I actually build my slide hangers a little smaller than the pans to bow them in a little. They will not fall out this was but does cause the tops of them to drop a bit in the front and back. I've been using one rack for about a year and have had no escapes. It works so well for mice I built another one a couple of weeks ago like it. I have no problems with the small one getting their water from the edstrom valves. I do also use a rack built with the OddJob concrete tubs that are about 6" deep for mass weanings, but I do use a small piece of 2x4 to help them reach their water (bottles).

Now, all that said, knowing that ASFs are known problematic chewers I probably would not use these pans due to the fact that they do drop a bit in the front and back. I believe that this small gap would be an invitation to chewing, However, tubs with these basic dimensions may be about right for about 1.3 or so ASFs.

Here's a couple pics of my racks.

[ThyTempest]

Thanks for the tips about the bowing, I definitely don't want to deal with that. We are buidling the rack because of escapees.

In store, the Doskocil/Petmate pans felt quite a bit stiffer, so I don't think they would bow the same way as the Van Ness. With that said, I think the V35 clarity and assurance of quality is nice, but I am not sure if they are worth the extra cost. I also don't like that Vision does not tell you how much the shipping is before you pay for the products.

[littleindiangirl]

I think shipping for us was $38 for 20 tubs in one box. Oh, and the Vanness are actually made bowed out, not like they do under weight or anything, it's the shape they make them in. I have one tub that we dont try to use because it always falls out of the darn rails, and that sucks when you have 13 weaners running around trying to escape.

[ThyTempest]

I will take a look at the Doskocil/Petmate tubs again, but I think that is what we are going to use. We are only going to be making a single column, possibly 2 column rack. They are on sale by us for 2.50/each, plus no shipping.

Overall, if the bowing isnt a significant problem on the Doskocil pans, you seem to agree that the dimensions would be suitable? I am talking about the Large size. I like the floorspace, and I think the height is do-able, and if we need blocks we can add them. However, with those dimensions, I wonder if just using cement tubs again would be a good option. They are six inches high and offer way more floorspace.

[frankykeno]

Would these work okay for ASF tubs in a rack? This company is literally around the corner from where I live so no shipping costs at all (also comes in grey).

http://www.basequipment.com/Black_Po...b_p/131543.htm

[ThyTempest]

I think 7" is too tall for ASF's, but if they have a shallower one, I know people have been sucessful with bussing tubs.

[twh]

Would these work okay for ASF tubs in a rack? This company is literally around the corner from where I live so no shipping costs at all (also comes in grey).

http://www.basequipment.com/Black_Po...b_p/131543.htm

those tubs appear to have ridges on the inside bottoms,could be a place to start chewing.

[matt71915]

if you do go with the cement tubs watch out for the little hole on one end. There is a little hole on the lip, the news ones around here have them now.
the asfs got a hold of that and chewed a hole. all you need is 1/8 or 1/4 wire cloth and cover it before they can do any damage