Recommendations for single tub setup?

[SeSmith]

Hi there,

I'm new here, and new to keeping ball pythons in general...I've kept chameleons and other lizards for years, so this'll be my first snake. I have a little male Bumblebee coming within the next week or so, and wanted to order his setup supplies by tomorrow or Tuesday, but first wanted some input on preferred brands, etc. I've used Vypyrz' tutorial (http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...e-Basics-*DUW*) as a guide, as I like the tub approach, but was confused on a few things.

The snake I'm receiving is currently 220 grams...what size tub should I get him? 16 qt? 32 qt? I'd like something that'll last awhile, so I won't have to go get him a new tub in 3 months, but something that's not overwhelmingly big.

In terms of a UTC and a thermostat, do you guys have any suggestions of what you like? I was thinking a Zoo-med UTC with a BAH-1000DC thermostat.

All input is appreciated...thanks!

[Kaorte]

If you don't feel like switching tubs once he is a little bigger, go with the 32qt and make sure you get two snug hides.

UTH? I've used a bunch of different kinds.. exoterra, zoomed, flexwatt. They all work fine as long as you have a good thermostat. Don't bother with the BAH-1000DC. Get yourself a herpstat intro or a Vivarium Exotics thermostat. The herpstat is the best. I have both herpstats and VE's and I love the herpstats way more!!

[snakesRkewl]

Hydrofarms work fine if you can't afford a quality expensive thermostat.

Flexwatt is under $4.00 a foot + shipping, 1/4th for the cost of a premade heat pad and they work as good or better.

Use a locking lid tub and be prepared to add something in the middle of the tub to keep the snake from escaping.
Or build yourself a mini rack to slide the tub into with no lid, or with a lid so the lid can't be pushed open.

[brobertson]

I would also go with the 32 quart tub, and like Kaorte said, go with a herpstat if you can afford it, they are fantastic. A good UTH that doesn't run as hot as most (and is just a safer product in general) is the ultratherm UTH (you can get one at reptile basics)

One last thing to consider is the ambient temperature of the room. For a single tub setup, gig want your room to be at least 75, otherwise you will not be able to keep the cool side warm enough.

Best of luck!

[snakesRkewl]

I would also go with the 32 quart tub, and like Kaorte said, go with a herpstat if you can afford it, they are fantastic. A good UTH that doesn't run as hot as most (and is just a safer product in general) is the ultratherm UTH (you can get one at reptile basics)

One last thing to consider is the ambient temperature of the room. For a single tub setup, gig want your room to be at least 75, otherwise you will not be able to keep the cool side warm enough.

Best of luck!

Good point!
Which is why I mention a single tub rack, it can be enclosed for better heat.

I like ultratherms for some things, but since it has to run almost full blast to get the desired temp(90+ hot spot).
And the ungodly price for it versus a piece of flexwatt, I would never use one under a tub in a rack, but that's just me, I hate wasting money for no reason.

[SeSmith]

Thanks for all your input, guys! I really 'preciate it! I now realize you did bring an important issue up, however...I live in MI, and the lovely winters here are beyond frigid. To cut costs I keep my apartment at around 70 F. I really would prefer to utilize a single tub rather than a rack system, but to compensate for the temp gradients, I guess my best bet would be to get another UTC with a separate thermostat for the cool end? Which is fine...I'd probably get 2 x $30-40 thermostats, as I don't believe you can regulate two UTCs with one thermostat (correct me if I'm wrong, still new to this all). I'd like to keep the entire setup between $150-200, but don't want to compromise the health of the animal due to jank products, so please let me know if a 2 x thermostat/UTC setup sounds adequate. Thanks!