The New Standard Tank

Edwin Reay and published in Pro-Rat-A 146
Reason for using a standard tank

Standard tanks help us to exhibit our rats anonymously and have them judged as impartially as possible with the decisions based solely on the rats’ qualities.

In this respect we are fortunate rats are small enough to exhibit like this. Last summer I met a dog breeder. We swapped observations on our fancies and by the end she envied our anonymity and I envied their prize money.

Reason for introducing a new standard tank

No matter how good standard tanks are, they are only useful if you can get your hands on one! The tank we currently use is no longer being manufactured and with the society’s stock running down, now is the time to introduce a new tank.

Specification of the new standard tank and lid

We looked for a plastic pen of a similar size and that was readily available in the shops. The chosen tank is the Nettuno XL (35.6 x 23.4 x 22.8 cm) made by Ferplast. It is also known as the Geo XL when sold with a plastic lid. It is similar in appearance to some of the tanks being used by the regional clubs at the moment, but Nettuno XL has a big enough lip to take a wire lid.

From a stewarding and judging point of view, wire lids are more preferable and will be used as standard. The only drawback is that these need to be specially made. Although you can make your own, it is envisaged most people will buy either the lid (£3.50) or tank and lid together (£10.00) at NFRS shows. However, if you need a detailed specification for the new standard tank and lid, please visit the show tank build page or send a SAE to Edwin (address in front cover of Pro-Rat-A).

Arrangements for the old standard tanks

For those of you who are lucky enough to have crack-free old-style standard tanks, these will still be acceptable as a show tank alongside the new ones.

Visual guide

Ideally, all the tanks should appear identical except the rat being shown. This focuses the eye on the individuality of the rat and looks professional. Showing rats in a non-standard way, such as by using cardboard flakes, leaving water bottles on or putting tinned peaches in for moisture, does the opposite; it draws the attention away from the individuality of the rat to the eccentricity of the owner.

Two consequences

With the introduction of the new standard, this new style of tank will be more freely available to both members and non-members. This will bring about two key changes.

Historically, the cost and difficulty in obtaining a standard tank has lead to a relaxation of the show rules for pets. However the idea of anonymous judging applies equally to pets as to varieties and now tanks are available we can raise the showmanship of the pet classes.

Pet exhibitors should show in standard tanks wherever possible or tanks that are as similar as possible. This change cannot be made overnight, but a large wire cage which is alright as a pet cage at home is not suitable for showing in.

With easily available tanks, the practice of offering hire tanks will be wound down. Those new to the fancy should be advised to borrow a standard tank from a member or buy a Ferplast Geo XL and hire a lid at the show. People who have been good enough to transport hire tanks in the past may now be involved in bringing tanks for sale. Check with the show secretary for their availability at a given venue.



Tank Wire lid Rat Moisture Tank labels Substrate Identifying marks For all enquiries about buying or making new lids or placing an advance order for show tanks, please mail NFRS.