Should I Switch to a Tub?

[Jon14]

I currently have a 40 gallon tank for my recently adopted ball python and I'm well aware of the pros and cons of both glass tanks and plastic tubs. My room temperature is roughly 60°F and I am unsure if I could heat a plastic tub to the correct temperatures. I have a herpstat 2 at my disposal. Any thoughts on a possible switch would be appreciated.
Thank you

[Scottywelsh]

My room is about 18c which I think is around 65f and I use rubs
Smaller rubs for the younger ones around 2 ft are perfect with a heat mat that covers just over 1/3 of the rub but the bigger rub for the full growns have a heat mat that covers pretty much half and goes up one side but is a bit more difficult to keep the cold side from dropping too much.
Iv been thinking of going with heat cable so it's a bit more flexible in where the heat is delivered.. that way could put a bit all around the outside or something to keep the ambient up abit. Switched from exo terrace viv in the beginning and would never go back

[ItsAllNew2Me!]

You can use the 40g tank just fine you will just have to do a few mods. I am assuming that you have a screen lid. Get a piece of plexi that covers 2/3 of the screen. Then get a CHE and put it over the open third. This is how i currently have one of my BPs set up but in a smaller tank. You also can add a few strips more of heat tape or heat maps on the sides of the tank. Not as pretty but it will get the job done. You are definitely going to want to cover a majority of the screen though. You can switch to a tub but since you already have a majority of the setup with your 40g, you can spend a few dollars more to meet your needs. Just my opinion.

[Yodawagon]

A tub is so much easier.

[Hammertime1977]

Can't see it in a tub.

I made a cover that goes between all 6 of the mesh lid clips I use on my tank and covers 95% of the screened area. I vent the tank on the cool side over his perch on the right side of the tank over his cold side hide. Helps hold the humidity in on the hot side too and you use way less juice on the bulb.

I would assume you could also ghetto it and just wrap cardboard in foil wrap.

As soon as I made the cover I was able to drop wattage on my bulbs and just soaking cypress mulch and keeping the water dish close to the hot spot is enough to maintain 60 humidity at 90 degrees. For sheds I will soak some moss and then put it in his hides and everywhere but his basking rock.

I get why breeders use racks and tubs, but if you have 2-3 reptiles I'd prefer to display them.

My Ball Python knows us, he comes to the glass to check us out if he's out cruisin and not in hunt mode. I'd hate to miss that. Plus being on my gf's dresser, it's nice to take a peek when you're tossing and turning at night.

[Jon14]

You can use the 40g tank just fine you will just have to do a few mods. I am assuming that you have a screen lid. Get a piece of plexi that covers 2/3 of the screen. Then get a CHE and put it over the open third. This is how i currently have one of my BPs set up but in a smaller tank. You also can add a few strips more of heat tape or heat maps on the sides of the tank. Not as pretty but it will get the job done. You are definitely going to want to cover a majority of the screen though. You can switch to a tub but since you already have a majority of the setup with your 40g, you can spend a few dollars more to meet your needs. Just my opinion.

I do have a screen lid which is currently covered with aluminum foil.i also have a 150 watt infrared heat bulb (currently what keeping my rank at "ok" temps) until I figure out if I want to make the switch. On another note, I inherited the tank when I adopted the snake so it's no loss if I switch.

[Coluber42]

What does the temperature look like with what you have now?

For starters, put some sort of insulation around three sides of the tank, plus the bottom. Foam is good insulation; if you use foam core (like presentation boards, etc) you can maybe make it look a little nicer than just foam insulation board. Wood is a good insulator, too. I have a 80-watt RHP on a glass tank (and the screen lid mostly covered even where the RHP doesn't cover it), which keeps the temperature very nice and even. I am completely an RHP believer, because it works so well on a (insulated) glass tank even in a room that can get below 55° in the winter.

[Jon14]

What does the temperature look like with what you have now?

For starters, put some sort of insulation around three sides of the tank, plus the bottom. Foam is good insulation; if you use foam core (like presentation boards, etc) you can maybe make it look a little nicer than just foam insulation board. Wood is a good insulator, too. I have a 80-watt RHP on a glass tank (and the screen lid mostly covered even where the RHP doesn't cover it), which keeps the temperature very nice and even. I am completely an RHP believer, because it works so well on a (insulated) glass tank even in a room that can get below 55° in the winter.

Currently the floor has a high of 85°(in shade, 95° if direct) and a low of 75°, ambient is also 75°. I was thinking of insulating the tank as well if I decided not to switch. I also intend to get a uth if I decide not to switch.

[LittleTreeGuy]

I have limited experience with tubs, but have found that ambient room temps are key with tubs. If your ambient room temps are below 75F, you're better off going with something else.

[Jon14]

Coluber how is your humidity with the rhp? Also do u think using an RHP and a uth would be a good setup? Both would be regulated by my herpstat so they don't have to run at full power.