Racks & Visability Q

[happy gecko]

I wanted to do a rack system, for it would allow me to keep more geckos in the same space, thus allowing a more rounded collection. But then I realized "When would I see my geckos?". I would rather only have one gecko in a glass tank that I can see versus a million that I never see (though I would prefer the million !). So my question is:

-How often and when do you see your gecko in a rack set up?
-Can you feed them outside of the rack and handle them to see them more often?
-How often can you handle a leo?
-Why do you keep your geckos in racks?
-Is it the possesive nature in that you can say you have alot of geckos, or do you see them more than I think?

 

[acpart]

I'll preface this by saying that I don't have racks (except for a hatchling overflow rack that's rarely used), partly for the reason you bring up. I guess you could say that I have a sort of modified rack system, since I have shelf units with front-opening glass tanks, 2-4 to a stack. During baby season, I divide each of these tanks into 3 sections with plexiglass, so I can keep up to 6 hatchlings in a 20 gallon long size if I pair up the hatchlings. On the off-season, I keep the males separately and take out the tank divisions. This won't hold as many as a rack with tubs, but you will see your geckos.

Another possible idea is that I recall seeing a website selling plastic tubs that are clear rather than frosted. THeoretically, you could set up a rack system with these and be able to see your geckos better. While we're talking theoretically, I guess you could also set it up so the tubs fit into the shelves with the lengths rather than the widths facing outward, so you would see more of your geckos, even though you'd be able to put fewer tubs in the rack.

Aliza

 

[Snowy & Petra de Gecko]

Good Idea

Good Idea ... ACPart:main_thumbsup:

 

[LeapinLizards]

I'll answer your questions one by one, as I do have a rack system, and these are my experiences:

-How often and when do you see your gecko in a rack set up?
I see my geckos daily, they are always out and about. Yes, a lot of them tend to sleep the day away in their hides, but many others are up and walking around. I catch glimpses of quite a few of them when they are near the front of their tubs.

-Can you feed them outside of the rack and handle them to see them more often?
Of course you can handle them! Just like you would handle them if they were in a glass tank. I feed all mine in their tubs, as they are most comfortable there.

-How often can you handle a leo?
I handle ALL my geckos at least once every couple days, for at least a once over...making sure everything is fine. I like them all being as handling-tame as possible. I find it very therapeutic to go in there, sit down, and handle them one by one, asking them how their days are going

-Why do you keep your geckos in racks?
This will be my first REAL season breeding, and with 5 females laying eggs, I will need ALL the space I can find. Having that many tanks around was just not feasible, and impossible to heat them all properly.

-Is it the possesive nature in that you can say you have alot of geckos, or do you see them more than I think?
I'm not sure I get what you mean here? I enjoy my geckos in their rack just as much as I enjoyed them in their tank setups. I have much more room this way, they are heated more thoroughly this way, and it's much easier to keep clean, and not to mention keep tabs on every individual!

 

[happy gecko]

Thank you for your thorough answers LeapinLizards! Just making sure that if I did decide to set-up a rack that I would still see the geckos that we pay top dollar for. At the very least I know I'll see them at least 2 times a week during the cage cleanings and check-ups.
BTW, I was looking into the Reptile Basics Inc 32qt. sweaterbox rack with belly heat: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Iris-Sweaterbox-Rack-32-Qt-Belly-or-Back-heat-p-16197.html

 

[Gecko Euphoria]

Let me add to this I use mostly a rack for my 200+ geckos but I still keep my few favorites in tanks, the tanks are nice but I actually prefer the rack system, You get more personal with each gecko and I swear to you I can feed and clean a tub in a matter of minutes, compared to alot more time to do this in the tank, makeing it alot more economical than the tank which is so nice. But my favorite thing about the rack is my geckos seem to be more docile when kept in the rack, I don't know if this is the case with every one but for me the geckos get used to you being so close and holding them all the time, the tank is great if you just have a couple or even one gecko but if you plan to breed at all the rack is the way to go. You can wash out a tub and evrything in 2-3 min where in a tank you have to rearrange every thing and you have that glass to clean which at times can suck especially if you mist. another thing I've noticed is I personally think they are more healthy in the rack and they grow better because they are not out in the open per say they are snug in there little tubs and it seems more comfortable to them plus they can get there food a little easier I think. and they dont have to worry about eatinig something they should'nt as most racks a a simple set up, without all the substrates and decorations, which too are hard to clean. Also the biggest bonus of the rack is the ease of heating the tubs and the fact you can hold 10 times as many geckos than a tank and you dont have all the accsesories to deal with or buy, And biggest bonus its cheaper my racks cost me pennies a day to operate where my tanks are dollars a day, with all this said its ultamatley up to each individual for there needs but I will never go back to a tank and I'm planning on loseing the ones I got now, So thats my opinion good luck forming your own hope this helps,

Ada.

I'll answer your questions one by one, as I do have a rack system, and these are my experiences:

-How often and when do you see your gecko in a rack set up?
I see my geckos daily, they are always out and about. Yes, a lot of them tend to sleep the day away in their hides, but many others are up and walking around. I catch glimpses of quite a few of them when they are near the front of their tubs.

-Can you feed them outside of the rack and handle them to see them more often?
Of course you can handle them! Just like you would handle them if they were in a glass tank. I feed all mine in their tubs, as they are most comfortable there.

-How often can you handle a leo?
I handle ALL my geckos at least once every couple days, for at least a once over...making sure everything is fine. I like them all being as handling-tame as possible. I find it very therapeutic to go in there, sit down, and handle them one by one, asking them how their days are going

-Why do you keep your geckos in racks?
This will be my first REAL season breeding, and with 5 females laying eggs, I will need ALL the space I can find. Having that many tanks around was just not feasible, and impossible to heat them all properly.

-Is it the possesive nature in that you can say you have alot of geckos, or do you see them more than I think?
I'm not sure I get what you mean here? I enjoy my geckos in their rack just as much as I enjoyed them in their tank setups. I have much more room this way, they are heated more thoroughly this way, and it's much easier to keep clean, and not to mention keep tabs on every individual!

 

[LeapinLizards]

Thank you for your thorough answers LeapinLizards! Just making sure that if I did decide to set-up a rack that I would still see the geckos that we pay top dollar for. At the very least I know I'll see them at least 2 times a week during the cage cleanings and check-ups.
BTW, I was looking into the Reptile Basics Inc 32qt. sweaterbox rack with belly heat: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Iris-Sweaterbox-Rack-32-Qt-Belly-or-Back-heat-p-16197.html

If I'm being COMPLETELY honest, for the price of that unit you are looking at, I built this WHOLE rack:

It's always nice making your own because then you can customize it to YOUR preferences...not to mention 9 times out of 10 it's cheaper.

 

[lamarr]

If I'm being COMPLETELY honest, for the price of that unit you are looking at, I built this WHOLE rack:

It's always nice making your own because then you can customize it to YOUR preferences...not to mention 9 times out of 10 it's cheaper.

Heather can you talk your dad into shipping a box of cut pieces to me for Christmas? That rack just looks better every time I see it!:main_thumbsup:

IIRC this was last years present, do you get another one this year?
And Happy Holidays to all!