Rack Tubs

[CeeJay]

I bought a rack a month ago. Its a 5 shelf rack. Each shelf is is 5 1/2" in height. The rack came with 5 tubs. 3 of them are in good condition. The other two suck. What's unfortunate is that he original owner used sterilite tubs that are no longer available. I have been racking my brain trying to find the right size tubs.

Today I found one that might work. Its 5 1/4". There's about a 1/4" gap between the tub and the shelf above it. Do you guys think that is ok to use? I really don't see an adult or hatchling being able to get out of a 1/4" gap. My other usable tubs are snug and don't leave a gap at all. Do you guys think i'll be ok? Thanks.

[llovelace]

You could cut a piece of pegboard or something to put under the tub.

[steveboos]

Well personally i wouldn't worry about the 1/4" gap, but i think some 28 quarts might fit in your rack perfectly. I took some quick pictures of my rack to show you the large gaps i have and the tubs i use. I have just enough space to put the lids on for when they shed, makes them shed very quick and easily. Also the jump in humidity really gets them in the mood to get the old skin off.

PS: Yes the snakeless rack space is being used for clothes, but i might as well use it for something right!!

[saber2th]

Well, the only thing with a gap that size is that you are loosing heat and humidity. You may have to boost up the thermostat to get it at the same temp. You may want to just leave the lids on, that will take up some of the gap and take care of the temp and humidity problem. When I made my rack, I designed it with the lids on, I wished I didn't. But I just cut the lid in half(more like a 1/3 of it) and then I duck taped the two pieces together on the outside of the lid and the tape acts like a hinge, so now I do not have to pull the tub all the way out. Or, like llovelace said, put a thin piece of board under it and put the Flexwatt on that.

[CeeJay]

Thanks guys. I completely forgot about the heat and humidity issue. Darn. I bought 2 sizes. One is about a 12 qt and the other is about a 28 qt. Both have the gap issue. Both have "feet" on the corners which I could probably grind down. This way, with the lid on, the container will probably fit nice and snug. Right now, with the lid on, the containers will not fit into the rack. Decisions, decisions.

[CeeJay]

Well, the only thing with a gap that size is that you are loosing heat and humidity. You may have to boost up the thermostat to get it at the same temp. You may want to just leave the lids on, that will take up some of the gap and take care of the temp and humidity problem. When I made my rack, I designed it with the lids on, I wished I didn't. But I just cut the lid in half(more like a 1/3 of it) and then I duck taped the two pieces together on the outside of the lid and the tape acts like a hinge, so now I do not have to pull the tub all the way out. Or, like llovelace said, put a thin piece of board under it and put the Flexwatt on that.

The heat was built flush within each shelf. There's no real way to alter it, so putting board underneath wouldn't work. I think I'll try what you did and use the lid. Boosting the thermostat will boost the temps in the tubs that are fine and throw things off. Ugggh...why can't things be easy sometimes.

[MarkieJ]

I was in the same dilemma (old sterilite tubs). Check out the Boot Box from the Container Store. Dimensions are: 22-1/2" x 14-3/4" x 5-3/8" h.

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/s...26&Ntt=storage

These tubs are slick with no indentations and are very easy to clean. Animal Plastics uses these tubs in their racks.

[CeeJay]

That's exactly what I bought. There is a store here in LA. I went and picked up the boot container and the mens shoe box. Both have that small 1/4" gap I am referring to. I am going to try and grind down the feet on the edge and see if it will fit with the lid. I could always cut up the lid a bit (and leave the edges) so the top has some room for me to work in or drop a mouse in.

[CeeJay]

So I used a dremel tool to grind down the feet of the container. I put the lid back on and the container fit nice and snug in the rack shelf. I think I will cut a large hole in the center of the lid so I don't always have to take it off. I won't lose too much heat and humidity because the top will be nice a snug against the ceiling. Such a relief now. Yaaaay!!

[MarkieJ]

Thanks! I might have to try that...