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Is anyone using the Reptile Basics Racks?

ultimuttone

ultimuttone

Murphy is my Sancho :/
I have seen threads on some of the others, I was just wondering if anyone is using these. The cost seems pretty reasonable with everything included. If you are using them or know of anyones experience with please let me know. Thanks :)
 
I looked at these too Traci, and I would also like to hear from people who've bought them. I had a favorable impression too, although I'd like to see more specific info about back vs. belly heat for corns specifically. I also looked at Nature's Spirit racks. From everything I've read here and on Fauna, Nature's Spirit is a great product with great customer service. They do custom requests too. And of course, I love my two AP racks, but with them I have a few issues (not including expense):

- The 10-shelf racks I have are monsters! This is why they are not shipped assembled, which is an issue in itself.

- I'm not getting younger, and my back is a little iffy from injuries I got when I used to have perform real work. Those bottom tubs on the AP are rough access for an old man. They're practically on the floor. But there is an issue on the other end as well, because at 5'7" (and 3/5"), I can't see into the backs of the tubs on the top shelves-- even on my toes.

But they are solid, they hold heat and humidity well, and they look very nice. I also like the heat cable they come with better than heat tape. But I think I need smaller, stackable units for my next racks. I need to buy at least 5 32qt. slots by spring myself. I'm toying with the idea of getting an N.S. incubator by then too. They are awesome, but costly. :)
 
What is an "ap" rack?

You said you liked the heat cable better than heat tape. How do you use the cable in a reptile rack situation? Any pictures along with explanation would be great ;)

Rebecca
 
pgr8dnlvr said:
What is an "ap" rack?

You said you liked the heat cable better than heat tape. How do you use the cable in a reptile rack situation? Any pictures along with explanation would be great ;)

Rebecca
Click to expand...

AP stands for Animal Plastics, a rack and terrestrial/arboreal herp cage manufacturer. Their racks have grooves through the shelves and side walls into which the heat cable is inserted. The cable "snakes" down through the back portions of the shelves and side walls like this:

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I have a Reptile Basics rack in use right now (baby rack) I love it. I wanted something similiar to my Boaphile but without the price tag ....and these work wonders. When I have more room I plan on buying a couple more.
As usual, you'll need a thermostat or dimmer, but you probably already knew that :)
I love the boxes....they use the IRIS series, which are so much clearer than others I have used. Im switching everything over to IRIS boxes actually.....my adults love their CB-110's.
If you want a pic of it in use, or any details let me know.
I give it a thumbs up :)
 
Thanks Michelle! I would love to see them in use, and hear any other comments you may have.
I am wanting something affordable and since I am in an upstairs apt, easily movable. And being even shorter than Dean ;), at 5'1" height is a definite factor for me. Although stackability would be nice considering how the collection is growing :).
I haven't even seen an Iris tub, but the fact that they may be more clear would be a plus, I like to see all the kids even when I am not handling them.
 
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quick pics

Please forgive the horrible labeling I have going on, my label maker from the land time forgot finally crapped out on me before I got this rack. BTW anyone have any good ones to suggest? Please PM me :)
First up is a whole shot, in use with sani chips. I almost forgot what really sold me on these...they come with 12 boxes....while others usually come with 10. When space is so tight, those extra two come in handy. The Iris boxes fit right in there, no gaps around the tops. Thats why I drilled holes in the boxes, for a little more fresh air.
rbrack1.jpg


And next you can see a close up of one cage in use and how easy it is to peer in there.....you actually might even be able to make out the snake thats all the way in the back, cuddled up next to the heat. (In real life you have no problem seeing to the back)

rbrack.jpg


IMHO these work just as well as the Boaphile sitting next to it, and they are very affordable. Back heat works great in these, when the babies have digested their food...they usually lay in front of the waterbowls where its cooler.....so I get the pleasure of seeing all of them whenever I want.
 
I ordered one and should be getting it next week so I can tell you then. I ordered the one with the larger boxes.


Joann
 
OK - you know you've lost it when you don't even type in your own name correctly! Must be too many snakes!

Joanna (I should just stick with Jo)
 
I just ordered mine. I'm a little concerned that the boxes will be too small for my ball python, but we'll see, maybe i'll just keep her in her tank.
thanks for the pics Devilznight, you deffinatly helped me in my decision to buy it.
 
Got the rack

I received the rack over the weekend and I am very pleased with the large boxes and overall construction. I have not had a chance to put it to use though!

In addition to the rack being good it has been an absolute pleasure to deal with Rich over at Reptile Basics. His customer service has been A1.

Joanna
 
Hey Joanna
How long did it take from ordering until it arrived?
Was it assembled? If not aprox. how long did it take to assemble?
thanks
 
Skeet,

I ordered early on Thursday morning and received the rack on Saturday afternoon. Rich shipped FedEx Home and they deliver on Saturday but not Monday - so I lucked out. I am in MA so if you are in NY (I think) it should be 2 - 3 days tops.

I finally put my snakes in and I think these tubs are a little bit bigger than the rubbermaid's I have. I like that there are 4 rows rather than 3 and that they go in lengthwise so there is a greater temp gradient.

As I said before Rich's customer service has been superb.

Jo
 
I got it this morning. And I have to say that I'm am a bit disapointed. The tubs do not fit in with the tops on. And there is alittle space inbetween without the tops on. I am worried that a snake will be able to escape it pretty easily. I had to run to school pretty quickly after I got it, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna return it or not. I'm gonna try and put some snakes inside when I get home and see if they can get out as easily as it looks like the might.
 
Well the tops are just included for cleaning purposes I believe as the racks are meant to function without them. I find it very handy to have the lids available when I am cleaning/feeding. My rack had very little space between the top of the tub and the shelf. My babies cannot escape it. Boaphiles usually leave 1/8 inch gap around for ventilation....maybe they are trying that idea ?
Can you post pics?
Sorry your experience has not been as pleasant!
 
DevilzNight said:
Well the tops are just included for cleaning purposes I believe as the racks are meant to function without them. I find it very handy to have the lids available when I am cleaning/feeding. My rack had very little space between the top of the tub and the shelf. My babies cannot escape it. Boaphiles usually leave 1/8 inch gap around for ventilation....maybe they are trying that idea ?
Can you post pics?
Sorry your experience has not been as pleasant!
Click to expand...

Don't get me wrong, they were very helpful on the phone and I actualy had a great experience with them. I just thought that I would be able to use the tops too and was disapointed about that. Now that I had some time to look at it and set it up, I am happy with it and I am gonna keep it. I am gonna drill hole through the shelves and lip of the containers and use some sort of clip to lock them in place, I still feel like if the tubs arn't totaly inside they may be able to get out, but it does seem pretty good as is.
 
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