Bin Rack Question

[aainsleyy]

I've noticed that a lot of people around here use rack systems to house their geckos. This is absolutely ideal for me in the future as I am planning on acquiring some more animals in a few months for 2016 breeding (Don't want to go too fast with this hobby).

What I'm confused about it that it appears that a lot of people seem to post pictures of the bins not having a top. I'm not sure if this means people just let the tops of the bins be open or not. I know leopard geckos cannot climb up the walls, but I'm worried about something else. I have three cats, two of which know how to pull things out of shelving. In my current set up I only have one gecko and the cats have no way of reaching him.

I was thinking of getting some bins like these and cutting some small holes for air ventilation.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/storageBoxes?productId=10026213

My question is, would using a latch top clear plastic bin work? Will it trap too much humidity? Should I just look for another option since I am worried about cats?

 

[KyleB]

The rack at my local reptile store has one with a lock since its on display. It has holes drilled in the front lid of the tub and a metal rod running vertical through the whole rack. That way no one can just walk up and pull out any tub, you have to pull the rod out and then only have access to that row.

 

[JoulesBurn]

I have your problem! Most rack systems do have open bins, but by design it sits extremely close to the level above it so that there's only a very tiny gap. They aren't supposed to be able to escape through there, but I've seen some very rare mentions of escape artists. I had your concern and didn't want to risk open tubs.

Most people don't like to have lids because it's an extra step that you have to take to take the lid off and put it back on. I took it as a necessary evil because I needed more control in keeping the geckos safe. You can put small holes along the side for ventilation and it should be enough. I live in FL so trapped humidity is a concern for me so I also make a window in the lid that I glue and tape down mesh to which allows even more air exchange. I also did a DIY set up which works really well for me. I think some made racks can allow you to leave the lids on, but I haven't ever seen any that have the clamp locks. If that's a must for you, you might also need to look into a DIY set up though maybe someone else knows someone who builds them like that.

Here is a pic of mine. I'd be happy to point you towards some instructions on something like it if you're interested.

Quite a few racks do have tabs to keep the tubs from being just pulled straight out, but it might depend on how industrious and determined your cats are.

 

[aainsleyy]

I have your problem! Most rack systems do have open bins, but by design it sits extremely close to the level above it so that there's only a very tiny gap. They aren't supposed to be able to escape through there, but I've seen some very rare mentions of escape artists. I had your concern and didn't want to risk open tubs.

Most people don't like to have lids because it's an extra step that you have to take to take the lid off and put it back on. I took it as a necessary evil because I needed more control in keeping the geckos safe. You can put small holes along the side for ventilation and it should be enough. I live in FL so trapped humidity is a concern for me so I also make a window in the lid that I glue and tape down mesh to which allows even more air exchange. I also did a DIY set up which works really well for me. I think some made racks can allow you to leave the lids on, but I haven't ever seen any that have the clamp locks. If that's a must for you, you might also need to look into a DIY set up though maybe someone else knows someone who builds them like that.

Here is a pic of mine. I'd be happy to point you towards some instructions on something like it if you're interested.

Quite a few racks do have tabs to keep the tubs from being just pulled straight out, but it might depend on how industrious and determined your cats are.
View attachment 70288

Your set up looks great! I would love to look at some instructions on how to make a similar set up.

I personally would not mind dealing with a lock top system. I mean leaving things open is easier but it takes an extra 20 seconds to have peace of mind that my cats will not pull the bottom row shelves out and then possibly kill the leos.

 

[tristanlook67]

this is the rack system I've built I just have the lids on because why not it doesn't hurt anything in my experience it doesn't trap any humidity this was very simple I just bought a metal wire rack from Walmart along with these tubs and weaved in heat cable if you prefered the lock tops you could just pick out whatever tubs you please I just wanted to take the cheaper route

 

[Boa'sUnlimited]

The rack I use has no tops to the bins but that's because I'm confident the gap is way too small for escapes, even with hatchlings, and everyone that knows me knows how mental I am with cage/enclosure security (not to mention husbandry ect) also, I am relying on the tiny gap for air exchange due to no front/side holes in the bin. I also have to open each occupied baby Leo bin a few times per day (usually just to look in and see all is well) so that provides air exchange as well in case anyone is wondering lol.

 

[aainsleyy]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. It certainly seems like there are many viable options out there and that having a closed top is not detrimental to the animals.

 

[Neff_05]

This looks nice and simple. What size tubs are those and what size shelving??

 

[tristanlook67]

This looks nice and simple. What size tubs are those and what size shelving??

The large bins are 58 quart and the small ones are 6 quart and it was the only type of wire rack I saw at walmart but they come with different amounts of shelves ps. The shelves can be moved different heights