I use the 8"x19.75" x3.5" these are racks with water and food all the time. Now 1.6 is to many if you are breeding for weaned mice. We thin them out by pulling pinky, fuzzy, and hoppers when we clean to sell to the stores and zoos. If you were going for weaned or hoppers in this size tub, go with 1.4 or maybe 1.5