Yes, they collect water which in turn collects food which results
in icky moldy mush.

Yes, the grooves seem useless.

But you can sorta fix the problems (and the ones with keeping the
bottom area clean).

I line the bottom of the cage with newspaper. That I change daily.

As for the grooves... Get out your drill, take out the shelves and
then drill a series of largish holes in the grooves. (Not so large
that the ferts fall through <G>) Voila. Drainage.

anne

[Posted in FML 5682]