Tubs and Humidity

[Jared2608]

Hey all.
I read a lot of things on the web about people struggling with humidity in aquariums, and that is one of the reasons people recommend tubs. One thing I don't see very often is people complaining about too much humidity!

In Durban, our main winter months are June and July, with July being the coldest. Even so, the average humidity is between 50 and 60%. For the rest of the year, it will be between 60 and 70%, and in November and December it can reach close to the 80% range. Our average winter time high as far as tempreture goes is 23 to 25 deg C, and in summer, it can go up to 32 to 35 deg C no problem!

My concern is, I'll be getting my ball python in Nov/Dec, which is right in the hottest most humid time of the year. Everyone says that Tubs are great for heating and humidity, I'm worried that it might just be too effective, especially with the humidity... I read on here that the Exo Terra Faunariums aren't good for Ball Pythons, because they leak humidity due to the amount of air vents. I can get one from a friend who doesn't need it anymore, it's the large flat one, the dimensions are 460L X 300W X 170H, in millimeters. This would be temporary, because once she gets big enough I want to build my own cage from wood and plexi, but since I can get the Faunarium for almost nothing, it kinda makes sense. I was just wondering if there is any other reason besides humidity that one should not use these for ball pythons? They don't look much different to a plastic tub to me, but I'm still too new to want to make those kind of decisions. One thing I am sure of is that I won't have any problem with humidity, and the heating will be easy as well!!

I'd love to hear your guys opinions on this?

Cheers,

Jared

[blushingball419]

That's awesome that you're from South Africa! I love meeting international members here!!

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with a Faunarium of that size as long as the ball python you're getting is a baby. The container you're talking about is only a little larger than a 6 quart plastic tub, which is what most recommend for a baby bp. And yeah, since your humidity is normally that high all the time I don't think there would be a problem. As a note, if their humidity is higher than 50-60% it's really not that big of a deal, and the only time you have to worry is if you start to see condensation forming on the inside of the plastic. I guess the only thing I would be concerned about is the snake being able to push out. Even though those type of containers have a snap type lid, you just never know and I would probably lay something heavy on top or use a bungee cord, something like that.

Otherwise, since you can get it for really cheap I'd say go for it! It sounds like the hardest thing for you is going to be maintaining the temperature gradient with a cool side, but I'm sure you must have AC living down there!! Good luck, and you have to post pics when you get your little girl!!

[Jared2608]

Thanks! Actually, the temp gradient isn't that hard to maintain. It is very warm here, but my garden is loaded with trees, and this means that the sun doesn't really get into my room, so my room is actually quite a few degrees cooler than what it is outside! Obviously, I'll just hook it up to a smaller heat pad, and monitor it closely. The snake I'll get will be 2 months at the most, it all depends when the breeder is happy that it is a well established feeder, and all her health checks are ok. When she grows up a bit, and can handle a bigger enclosure, I'll build her nice sized one, that allows some decor and the like!!