AP Economy Plastic Racks...Few Questions

jzal8 · 01-11-07, 01:47 PM

Hey peoples, Im looking to purchase another rack for adult corns, and was looking at the Animal Plastics Economy Plastic Rack. I'd like a little feedback from people who use them. If you do, do you use lids or is it tight enough where you dont need them? I know there is no back to these racks, so everytime you push a tub back in are you constantly looking behind the rack to make sure it didnt go too far back? Or is there something in the back to prevent a tub from being pushed through?

Answers would be much appreciated.

**Michelle** · 01-11-07, 06:37 PM

Hi there!
I have one and its great. Nope, no lids for me....and I'm really picky about gaps.There is another upright that you cant see in the pics online, that attaches to that back so you don't have to worry about pushing too far. I love it!
Let me know if you want me to snap some pics for ya!

**Taceas** · 01-12-07, 03:17 AM

I would be interested in seeing some pics of it in actual use. Your mind can only extrapolate so much from empty tub pics.

I've been contemplating these over the classic style racks, mainly because it allows more light into the tubs. Since all of my snakes are now in the basement, and there are no outside windows or doors down here more light coming into the tubs might be a little less depressing.

How consistent is the heating? Does it fluctuate a lot?

Thanks!

**Michelle** · 01-16-07, 11:22 PM

Sorry for the delay with the pics! I could only take pics of the one thats not in use yet. Basically I run the heat tape down the back like any other rack, use Reflectix first, then professional insulation (the stuff they use on houses) over that. Since we're in the basement apartment this helps keep that heat going into the cages. I usually put the probe for the thermostat in the middle tub and let that dictate the heat for the rest.
You can see where the heat rope goes in these pics, but again I dont use it (personal choice)
Heres the side/front view with a tub partially pulled out.

Here is the back, Matt you can see what I was talking about....extra vertical pieces to block the tub from sliding out.

Heres a close-up of the back and you can see where the heat rope goes if you choose to use it. (the top tub was pulled out slightly to show this)

Lore · 01-17-07, 12:00 AM

The Heat Rope comes with the set up right Michelle?

May I ask why you chose to use Flexwatt instead?

**Taceas** · 01-17-07, 07:27 AM

Ditto to that question too.

But I have heard that some of the heat rope isn't all that great in some instances. Another member with the regular bookshelf style racks had issues with the heat rope being inconsistent.

So you just adhere a sheet of the foil covered cellulose insulation on the back? I'm not hip into "reflectix" and typical "house insulation". =P

Makes sense though. It's something I'd thought about since my snakes are in a below-ground basement and the exterior walls are cooler than the air temps.

What are the dimensions of the tubs? Or, what is the 4-digit model number for the tubs?

**Michelle** · 01-17-07, 05:23 PM

The tubs are the Clearview model 1756. I highly suggest locating the tubs before buying the rack...I had some trouble finding them at Target. You guys know how Sterlite changes their tubs all the time. And yes any type of insulation will do, I just double it up since some of the racks are on outside walls that really get cold.
I personally choose to use Flexwatt because I have been using it for 13 years and never (knock on wood) had a problem. I use the 11 inch on the back to get the most heat, but at the same time its very safe for the animals if something should malfunction.
Now if something happens with the heat rope, its right under the tubs and from I have read on other sites....it gets way hotter than Flex. I also read that its not meant to be used 24/7 like we use our Flexwatt. From what I understand the original heat rope (actually cable) is meant for warming pipes in the winter.
Just my choice I guess, I'd rather use something thats meant to be used inside the house with a thermostat (if I remember Flexwatt is the stuff they use under floors in new houses for radiant heating)than the cable.
Hope I helped guys

Michelle

**Michelle** · 01-17-07, 05:26 PM

Opps sorry Louri I forgot to answer your questions, yes the heat rope comes included with the rack for $180 than the shipping is additional.
Still a great deal. Too bad Im moving to display cages again or I'd get some more.

tricksterpup · 01-28-07, 12:27 AM

I also wanted to add that I just got mine the other day. I finally decided to put mine together tonight and it took me about an hour by myself putting it together. I took my time at it and a fully juiced up screw driver. It came together very nicely and I am happy with the way it looks. It was a pretty fun project to do in one night.

Flagg · 04-20-07, 11:44 PM

I also just got this rack this week. I'm using the heat rope and a Herpstat ND thermostat.

I've been watching the temps as it runs over night and it seems very stable with the good thermostat.

I just burned all the holes in the tubs and filled them with aspen, tomorrow should be moving day for all my corns.

As for the tubs, it seems like ONLY Target carries the exact models that fit this rack. I lucked out and found them on sale a couple weeks ago, saved like $10 on the set of 4 32 qt and 4 15 qt.