Temperature-controlled incubations in water baths and ice containers require a rack that can go where standard benchtop racks cannot. The Heathrow Scientific HS2166 Floating Microtube Rack is engineered from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam that resists water absorption — it keeps microtubes stably afloat in water baths up to 70°C and can be pressed into crushed ice for cold sample holding, all without degrading or taking on water.
Each round disc holds 18 standard microcentrifuge tubes (0.2, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0 mL) in 9.3mm wells and includes detachable carrying handles to lift all samples out of the bath simultaneously — no fishing for individual tubes. The bright blue color makes it easy to spot in crowded water baths. Each pack includes 5 floating racks for multi-bath or multi-user deployment.
Features and Benefits
HDPE Foam - Zero Water Absorption: High-density polyethylene foam construction resists water uptake even after extended submersion — racks stay buoyant and maintain tube position throughout long incubation protocols.
Water Bath and Ice Container Compatible: Stable floating in water baths up to 70°C; also suitable for use in ice buckets, ice tubs, and beakers — one rack covers both hot and cold temperature control applications.
Detachable Carrying Handles: Integrated handles allow retrieval of all 18 tubes from the bath in a single lift — eliminates the risk of tube drop and sample spillage when removing samples from baths.
18 Wells for 0.2–2.0 mL Microtubes: 9.3mm wells accommodate all standard PCR tube (0.2 mL), microfuge tube (0.5 mL), and microcentrifuge tube (1.5/2.0 mL) formats — one rack format for all small-volume tube sizes.
Reusable and Cleanable: HDPE foam is easy to clean and resists chemical degradation from standard lab reagents — racks are reusable across multiple experiments and users.
Pack of 5: Five floating racks per pack for deployment across multiple water baths, users, or experiments simultaneously.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HS2166 |
| Brand | Heathrow Scientific |
| Material | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Foam |
| Number of Wells | 18 |
| Well Diameter | 9.3 mm |
| Compatible Tubes | 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL |
| Diameter (rack) | 3.2 in (8.2 cm) |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to 70°C |
| Color | Blue |
| Quantity | Pack of 5 |
| Country of Origin | China |
Laboratory Applications
PCR and enzyme reaction incubations in heated water baths where tube temperature control is critical — rack floats stably throughout the incubation period
Cold sample holding during enzymatic digests and ligation reactions where tubes must be kept on ice throughout preparation steps
RNA and heat denaturation protocols requiring simultaneous water bath incubation of multiple microfuge tubes at defined temperatures
Multi-user shared water baths where individual color-coded floating racks allow each researcher to identify and retrieve their own samples
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the rack tip or flip over in a water bath?
No. The HDPE foam disc is designed with a low center of gravity and stable buoyancy distribution. Tubes seated in the 9.3mm wells keep the rack balanced — even with all 18 wells occupied, the rack maintains a level floating position in standard water bath tanks.
What is the maximum water bath temperature?
The HS2166 is rated for use up to 70°C. It is not suitable for autoclave or boiling water bath use. For applications above 70°C, use a thermostable tube holder or heat block instead.
Can this be used in an ice bucket with crushed ice (not liquid)?
Yes. The foam rack can be pressed into crushed ice for stable upright tube holding during cold-temperature sample preparation — a common use case for ligation, restriction digest setup, and other on-ice workflows.
How are the handles attached — are they permanent?
The carrying handles are detachable — they can be removed for tube loading and reattached for lifting all samples out of the bath simultaneously. They are designed for repeated attachment and removal without degradation.
Quality Assurance
Heathrow Scientific manufactures the HS2166 Floating Microtube Rack from closed-cell HDPE foam tested for consistent buoyancy, zero water absorption, and dimensional stability across the full 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range. Detachable handles are tested for repeated secure engagement without fatigue failure.
Academic and Institutional Pricing
LabSupplies.com offers tiered quantity pricing for academic and research institutions. As an authorized dealer, we ship directly from USA inventory.