Why "Bakers Racks" for large sized Dart Frog collections ?

[Philsuma]

why indeed?

Just what are "Bakers Racks" and why are they the arguable standard for keeping multiple tanks and frog collections on?

The term "Baker" refers to the profession of baking - pies, cookies, cakes ect.

The rack is composed of wire and is "hollow" and thus, well ventilated - allowing the baked goods ample cooling. That same ability to cool is helpful in our Dart Frog Hobby due to the fact that the frogs certainly benefit from cooling and ventilation around the outside of their tanks, especially during the hot times of the year.

On a solid shelf rack system, the heat that builds up from a light fixture underneath a shelf is extreme and causes the temps to rise, sometimes critcally, on the vivariums above it.

Bakers racks have bars and holes - very easy to hang stuff off of, clips, bungee cords ect. The metal also allows for magnets and things to clip on and hang off as well. Very handy.

The racks are also cheap and easy to obtain, break down, transport and modify.

[itskris]

I was thinking about going the Gorilla Rack route... But then I realized that that was a lot of bulk for something that didn't need to be so bulky...

I ended up with the bakers rack

[evolvstll]

I like the bakers racks and have a few. I have moved to using a few of these Whalen industrial racks I picked up at costco. I am able to fit 4 - 18" exoterra tanks side by side on each shelf or 6 - 10 gallons........... These are sturdy and do not have to worry as much with the earthquakes out here in Southern California.

http://whalenstorage.com/products/indus ... black.html

[Philsuma]

I love my Bakers Racks.....keeps things cool in the Summer with the ventilated shelving !

I attach magnets to the metal poles and shelves. Clip on fans are easy to mount any-which-way.

Casters / wheels can easily be put on the racks. They also have a "brake" that can applied so they don't roll and will stay still. They are only scary when you try to load up 4 of those big boy exos. Just place em low and medium and try not to put any big weight up high. They are plenty sturdy.

I think they are the best thing out there for our Hobby, in terms of a beginning / medium budget frog room.

[dtfleming]

Yes they are, I have three setup now and will be add two more in the future. They also make it easier to running your misting system tubing throughout the rack to your vivs.

[Philsuma]

NEW found item for Bakers racks....

BUNGEE CORDS !

10inch Bungee cords replacing plastic quick ties. I mount all my 48" shop light reflectors / fixtures under the rack shelving and believe it or not,some of those Wally Mart $19.00 "Lights of America" T-12 fixtures go bad and need replaced....

These cords are awesomely handy. Now I can change out entire fixtures to get at bulbs easier or even return the fixture to the 'Wal....I mean....throwing them away. :roll:

[Philsuma]

what does a bakers rack look like?



and here's my frog room thread with pics:

vivarium-frog-room-and-plant-photographs-f36/philsuma-frog-room-t4401.html

[JimO]

Nearly all my vivs are on two or three shelf baker's racks. I don't have a frog room, so my 13 vivs are scattered around the house. My wife only asked for one promise - that I would make them look nice and keep them clean. So, I use the black racks and essentially all my vivs are display vivs. If it wasn't for the baker's racks allowing for stacking of vivs, I'd only have wall space for maybe half as many. I love them.

[RanaVenenosa]

NEW found item for Bakers racks....

BUNGEE CORDS !

10inch Bungee cords replacing plastic quick ties. I mount all my 48" shop light reflectors / fixtures under the rack shelving and believe it or not,some of those Wally Mart $19.00 "Lights of America" T-12 fixtures go bad and need replaced....

These cords are awesomely handy. Now I can change out entire fixtures to get at bulbs easier or even return the fixture to the 'Wal....I mean....throwing them away. :roll:

The Bungee cord ranks up there w Duct tape Thanks for another great application.

[Venutus1]

Nearly all my vivs are on two or three shelf baker's racks. I don't have a frog room, so my 13 vivs are scattered around the house. My wife only asked for one promise - that I would make them look nice and keep them clean. So, I use the black racks and essentially all my vivs are display vivs. If it wasn't for the baker's racks allowing for stacking of vivs, I'd only have wall space for maybe half as many. I love them.

I saw that Loews had some all black shoplights (t-8). I don't think they were the highest of high quality, but they looked ok and were black and like 13.00.
Just tossing it out there for all.
Todd

[Philsuma]

yeah...I got a few of those. I actually like the "lights of America" T-12/8's . They have pull chains and a really deep reflector.

[Philsuma]

another must have tool for those working with Baker's racks....

The Rubber mallet !

[cbreon]

Speaking of bakers racks I need the 48'' rack that we have been talking about, can I get it this weekend?

[Philsuma]

yeah...I still have 3-4 extra racks. We can get that taken care of.

[Lady Bullseye]

When I do a search, Google or store specific, for "bakers rack" or baker's rack" etc. all I get come up are "fancified" versions lol. Is there some other search term I should be using?

[Philsuma]

Lisa,

Try 'wire rack'....and def shop Target, Walmart and Homedepot. Best and cheapest places to buy them

[cbreon]

For wire racks you might also want to try craigslist and restaurant supply places. The price of extruded aluminum racking seems to be getting more affordable and its clean look, flexibility and the fact that it is highly customizable makes it something to consider if you are going to have a long-term to permanent, large collection.

[dtfleming]

Racks at Target are going to be the cheapest. More pricey ones have a higher weight per shelf, but I have not had an issue with the ones from Target.