Rack Size Guide

Choose the right rack before you build.

Use this guide to choose the right PVC reptile rack based on species, tub size, number of animals, rack dimensions, lighting needs, and your room layout.

Rack sizing Tub fit Species guidance Core vs Glow
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Start smart

The right rack starts with the right fit.

A rack should fit the animal, the tub, the room, and the way you actually keep. Before choosing by tub count alone, think through species size, adult size, heat needs, lighting preference, cleaning access, and long-term room plans.

Start with Species
Then choose Tub size
Then decide Core or Glow
Then build Your room
How to choose

Six checks before you buy.

A few minutes of planning can save you from ordering a rack that is too small, too large, too tall, or not right for your animals.

01

Start with the animal.

Species, age, current size, adult size, body shape, activity level, and feeding style all matter. A rack should fit the animal, not just the room.

02

Choose the tub style.

The tub determines the usable space. Match the tub footprint and height to the species, not just the number of tubs you want.

03

Plan your capacity.

Think about how many animals you have now, how many you plan to keep later, and whether you need grow-out, adult, breeder, or holdback space.

04

Measure your room.

Check wall space, doorways, walkways, outlets, thermostat placement, airflow, and cleaning access before choosing your rack footprint.

05

Pick Core or Glow.

Choose Core if you want the clean no-lighting rack. Choose Glow if you want a screen cutout for adding your favorite 12" T5 UVB fixture.

06

Think long term.

A rack is part of your room system. Choose the setup that keeps your workflow cleaner, safer, and easier to manage over time.

Sizing factors

Don’t choose by tub count alone.

The right rack depends on more than how many tubs it holds. Use this checklist when comparing rack options.

What to check
Why it matters
What to look for
Animal size
The animal needs appropriate floor space and tub height.
Match the rack/tub to the species and individual animal.
Adult size
Young animals grow. Buying only for today can create a future upgrade problem.
Consider the adult size when choosing long-term racks.
Number of tubs
Capacity matters for breeders, holdbacks, and growing collections.
Choose enough tubs without overcrowding your room.
Number of levels
Levels affect height, access, cleaning, and room workflow.
Make sure you can comfortably reach and service each level.
Rack dimensions
The rack has to fit your room, doors, and walkways.
Measure the footprint before ordering.
Heating needs
Heat tape must be controlled properly.
Use a quality thermostat with any heat tape setup.
Lighting needs
Some keepers want UVB or daytime lighting options.
Choose Glow if you want a 12" T5 UVB cutout.
Species guidance

Match the rack to the animal.

These are general starting points. Always choose a rack and tub size appropriate for the individual animal, its size, and your husbandry standards.

Core or Glow?

Choose your rack style.

Once you know the rack size you need, decide whether you want lighting compatibility. Core keeps it clean with no lighting cutout. Glow adds a screen cutout for a 12 inch T5 UVB fixture.

Choose Core if You do not need lighting.

You want the clean, lower price point, no-lighting PVC rack.

Choose Glow if You want UVB flexibility.

You want a screen cutout for adding your favorite 12" T5 UVB fixture.

Room planning

Measure twice. Order once.

Your rack has to work in the real space you have. Check the room before ordering so setup, cleaning, heating, and movement are easier.

Measure the footprint Check width, depth, height, doors, and walkways before choosing your rack.
Think about access You need enough room to pull tubs, clean, feed, check animals, and move around safely.
Plan your outlets Heat tape requires a thermostat, so think through outlet placement and cord management.
Leave airflow space Do not cram racks into a space where airflow and access become difficult.
Stackable Rack Theory racks are designed to be stacked. Just add a stacking kit to your order.
Build for growth Collections change. Choose a rack system that supports where your room is headed.
Product specs

Check each product page for exact specs.

Each rack product page lists the tub quantity, tub style, number of levels, rack dimensions, tub dimensions, included items, and best-use details when available.

Sizing FAQ

Still choosing?

Here are the questions keepers usually ask before choosing a rack size.

Ready to choose?

Find your rack.

Shop Core for the clean no-lighting rack or Glow for the lighting-ready rack with a screen cutout for a 12 inch T5 UVB fixture.