Color won't matter at all nor will the level of clarity/opaqueness. Just make sure to put vent "windows" covered with the hardware cloth, otherwise the odor from the urine/feces will build up in a hurry and make your rats sick/cause a stink. Rats are intelligent and social animals so I wouldn't close them up in a tub with no access to the outside world; that'd be cruel and not the least bit healthy for them in terms of social interaction and/or respiratory issues. If you're set on using tubs to raise them, I'd say just cut some "windows" in the sides and then cover them over with the hardware cloth to let them see out and facilitate airflow in the tub. If you cut "windows" on opposite sides, it would let the air draft across to keep the amonia/stink down while also lettig them see outside the tub. It won't hurt them any to be in dimmer light conditions just don't shut them up in a box and leave them is all. Not saying you would, just saying...if you reference the link I posted about setting up a tub and just use the one you have (clear or not, it won't matter), you should be good. Racks are a lot more work to build at first but in the end they're a LOT easier, at least for me. Not sure what your situation is as far as finances/availability of tools but you can build one out of decent lumber (not top choice boards but lesser quality) for around $200.00 or so, total, if you have the lumber store cut the dimensions you want. That's for a six tub rack and if you tack on 20' feet of tubing, a 3 gallon reservoir and 8 sippers/water nozzles from Reptile Basics, you're at around $260 or so, tops, with shipping and everything. I dunno, just a thought. I've done both and for ease of cleaning/health of the animals and space utilization, I'll take my racks over tubs every time. I've used these plans to build the three breeder racks I have:
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/rat_rack/ratrack.shtml
Whatever works for you, just a thought. Take care and good luck!
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