Rodentracks.com Build Question

[MrLang]

I am about to start cutting and building my rodent rack from the small size plans on Rodentracks.com. The measurements on the website call for the black mixing tubs to be 19 3/4" x 27 1/2" x 6". I bought the tubs at Lowe's. There was a small size and large size of the same tub (just like there is a large tub and small tub build on rodentracks.com). The tubs I got measure 20" x 26" x 6". It's hard to imagine they redesigned these tubs to be an inch and a half short one way and a quarter of an inch short the other way.

Do I need to make adjustments in the cuts/plan for these tubs? I'm looking for input from someone who has actually done the build before. Either that or input from someone mechanically gifted

http://www.rodentracks.com/Small-Tub-Rat-Rack.html

assembled like this:

http://www.rodentracks.com/Large-Tub-Rat-Rack.html

Thanks,

Jon

[Tfpets]

I would say that you do need to adjust. Sounds like you may not have the same tubs that they plan for. I have seen a couple versions of the small and large tubs from different stores.

[spitzu]

Maybe he's using the Home Depot tubs? I would use them regardless and just adjust measurements if necessary. They're sturdier.

[wilomn]

Distributors buy from different suppliers and tub size is not consistent between them to begin with.

Resize and verify you have the same ones next time you make a rack. Home Depot switched suppliers on me and I didn't realize it until none of my tubs fit the new rack.

[Rat160]

I used the same plans when I built my first rack. One thing I would like to point out.

With the height of the rack once its assembled there's not much room on top for a water bottle or food or anything. The second one I built I added 6" on top of each tub. Here is a picture of the first rack I built using the big tubs.

The bigger tubs were purchased at home depot. The bigger tubs are also a bit of a pain since hoppers and such have a hard time eating. I have to use ALOT of shavings in the tub.





you can see theres not much room on the top of the tubs. I use a watering system so it works but still a pain to even refill food. I would add a few inches to each tub personally.

[MrLang]

I called Home Depot and had them measure the tub they had by hand. 27.5 x 19.75 x 6...

I'm going to go buy those rather than tinker with the measurements (it's ridiculously simple, I know) because I am not looking to have rats escape in my house or waste materials based on a slip up.

Thanks everyone!

[WmHrbst]

There are two different style mixing tubs out there between Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. The tubs I use are the thicker of the two and really feel a lot more durable.

Here is a picture of the label, I got these from Home Depot



Just a few pics of the racks. I did use two of the larger sized ones a well for the breeder rats. All I did for the larger tubs was turn the tub upside down and lay the 2x3's on the lip of the tubs and made my cuts from there; got the dimensions and made the rest of my cuts.





If you would like I can grab the dimensions of the smaller size rack from you, just let me know.