Switching from a glass tank to a plastic tub, even if BP shows signs of happiness?

[Senatrix]

Okay, so a few weeks ago I got Rufus, my lovely 8 year old male BP. Because his old owner was moving and his oldest daughter wasn't interested in keeping Rufus any longer, they decided to adopt Rufus and his glass terrarium out. To me, obviously. I haven't had any problems with him so far, he had a beautiful complete shed two days after he came to my place, he struck at first f/t rat within 10 seconds of it being offered, when I handle him he shows absolutely zero signs of being aggressive or overly shy - he'll be balled up for a minute but then uncurls and loves to explore climbing around on my arms or just my room. During the day he's in his hide, at night he'll come out for a little and move up to his platform and hide in the plastic plants. From what I've read these are all signs of a content BP.
The terrarium itself is 80 cm x 35 cm x 40 cm with two hides, a branch leading up to a platform and a stone water fountain which he likes to use as a shed-aid. Of course he has all the other necessities such as water bowl etc. too. The temperatures are more or less 90F on the warm side, though they tend to be slightly lower than that at times. Measured with an infrared temp gun. Humidity is at 50-60%, depending on the general humidity and temperatures. As substrate I use some kind of bark bedding, I've forgotten the exact name but it has been recommended.

Now on to the actual question: Should I change a running system? I'd really like to experience building my own setup in a plastic tub, plus it would be easier to maintain the temperature in the winter months when it can get very cold and dry. The measurements of the plastic box I've been eyeing are 99 x 39.5 x 18cm, so no that much different from his glass terrarium. Only difference would be the height, plus plastic tubs supposedly being easier to clean - I'd like to inconvenience my roommates as little as possible.

Thank you in advance for any opinions/advice/answers.

[BMorrison]

This here rack system (for 3) has been spot on for me from RBI with one of the original herpstats.

These are the iris cb70 tubs (I forget the exact dimensions. However both my male normal and female Mojave were in tanks their whole lives (40g breeder for the male and 75g for the Mojave) now that I'm expanding I decided to go with this setup to start and it's spot on. Temps are perfect, humidity is perfect my male just shed a beautiful 1 piecer. And all is well, I had the tanks perfected but these tubs are hassle free and ridiculously easy to clean!


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[Senatrix]

Thank you! Those do look relatively hassle free, and perfect for a BP. Not sure if those would be available in my country, but then again I'm not really looking into getting a rack system going (yet).

[chrid16371]

Thank you! Those do look relatively hassle free, and perfect for a BP. Not sure if those would be available in my country, but then again I'm not really looking into getting a rack system going (yet).

If you or someone you know is handy you could build a little enclosed rack for the tub size your going to buy and with it being enclosed it will hold heat better than a tub just sitting on a stand. Are you currently using a under tank heater or bulbs or ceramic heat emitter for heat? I'm just curious bc if you switch to a tub system you will need to use a under tank heater and a thermostat.

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[Senatrix]

If you or someone you know is handy you could build a little enclosed rack for the tub size your going to buy and with it being enclosed it will hold heat better than a tub just sitting on a stand. Are you currently using a under tank heater or bulbs or ceramic heat emitter for heat? I'm just curious bc if you switch to a tub system you will need to use a under tank heater and a thermostat.

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I'm afraid there's no room for a proper rack. :/ For the glass tank I'm currently using a heat cable and thermostat, I've already bought a heatmat and a new thermostat for a hypothetical plastic tub. I'm ready to go really, just thought I'd get some opinions from more knowledgeable people.

[chrid16371]

You dont have to build a big rack. You could build just a one slot rack out of PVC. Basically it would a roof, bottom, 2 sides and back and keep the front open so that you can slide your tub in and out that way it wouldn't take really anymore room then the tub itself but still hold heat in. You would want to make it so your snake couldn't get out between the roof and the tub so you would only need a tiny gap and have it so there's a little clearance on the sides. If your going to use the lid on the tub you could just make it so the roof clear the lid of the tub a little.

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[Senatrix]

You dont have to build a big rack. You could build just a one slot rack out of PVC. Basically it would a roof, bottom, 2 sides and back and keep the front open so that you can slide your tub in and out that way it wouldn't take really anymore room then the tub itself but still hold heat in. You would want to make it so your snake couldn't get out between the roof and the tub so you would only need a tiny gap and have it so there's a little clearance on the sides. If your going to use the lid on the tub you could just make it so the roof clear the lid of the tub a little.

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Thank you, but I'm not trying to build a rack. There's simply no room.

[chrid16371]

Your not understanding what I'm saying. Its hard to explain things in writing sometimes. I'm not saying to build a big rack. Just a box to put your tub in, it would be a tiny bit bigger then the tub itself so would barely take up anymore room then the tub itself. Was just trying to help you retain heat. If your house stays 75-82 all year round then it wouldn't be necessary. If your house gets below 75 then something will need to be done to keep the cool side up above 75 which means either doing what I'm saying or putting a uth on cool side and then you would also need another thermostat. As long as you can maintain the correct temps on hot and cool side then you can do it however you would like. I was just giving you other options.

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