Space between tubs and shelves (racks)

[Josh P.]

Hello everyone.

Right now I'm building another rack system for my leopard geckos.

In your opinion what is the limit that we can safely use as the space between each individual tub and the top of the shelf? I know that some people use no free space at all while others like to use it for ventilation. My question is, what is the largest gap we can use while still being safe enough that no leos can escape?

Ron Tremper says 3/16" (4.75mm) is the ideal measure to use as gap. Do you agree with it?

Please share with me your experience and expertise on this. I appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tb144050]

Some of the shelves on my only rack have 0 space. I can feel the tension (up and down) as I slide the tubs in and out. These tubs often SMELLED a little musty on the first day after misting the moist-hides.

After I drilled more holes in the front, back, and sides, the smell subsided. I assume that "no space" creates a higher humidity which could cause a respiratory infection. If you use "no space" I highly recommend ALOT of holes, especially around the top perimeter.

 

[Josh P.]

My idea is not to use 0 space while still maintaining a safe rack. Hoping for someone who had experience using racks with a certain gap to pop in and share some advice.

 

[Josh P.]

Anyone please? I'm really hoping for some experienced advice here.

 

[Josh P.]

Sorry to bump this once again but I don't believe none of you out there has experience with rack systems featuring some gap space between shelves.

 

[tb144050]

My question is, what is the largest gap we can use while still being safe enough that no leos can escape?

Ron Tremper says 3/16" (4.75mm) is the ideal measure to use as gap. Do you agree with it?

I can tell you that Leo's under 20grams can squeeze through a 7/16" gap (and probably smaller because he did it quickly & easily). I would probably take Ron Tremper's advice since no one has argued it yet. The difference between Ron's recommended 3/16" and my confirmed-escapable 7/16" is about the height of 2mm... How much more gap did you want?

If you have already built a rack with more gap than 3/16" and you worry about escape artists...??: You can use a piece of panel-board and attach it to the bottom of the shelf above it. This will lessen your gap but make sure you use something that resists moisture.

Also, comments like the one quoted below helped me to understand why the holes helped their health. So even if you have less than 3/16" when you finish, the holes will give them adequate air.

I feel most racks need holes to maximize fresh air flow and circulation.... ...I keep 6 bins with no holes for newly hatched geckos and the rest have five holes drilled on the front and back. I noticed a lot of condensation inside the bins around the geckos water bowls and it made me feel that the water wasn't evaporating well enough and I didn't want to cause respiratory issues.