Converting from tank to tub?

[MixtSpice]

This isn't meant to be a debate. Please, unless you're going to post useful information about switching to a tub and rack system, don't reply.

So, like stated above, I'm wanting to get a tub and rack system. I have a general idea where to start but need more information.

I plan on only making (buying?) A rack for no more then 4 bp's. They will be housing juveniles (150-400g) so I'll be using 15quart tubs and heat tape.

What I do need to know is, how do I get started? It seems easier to build a rack but I have no knowledge of building things other then putting together book shelves and such. Would that be a good alternative to a rack? I see a lot of people use paper towels for their substrate in tubs, can I use other substrate? Would moving my girl, who is in a tank right now, into a tub stress her out?

I know what I want and that's a tub and rack system but I feel so overwhelmed with information that it just gets jumbled in my head and I don't know where to start.

[sneakysnake611]

I just built mine. I have 5 17x23 3/4, 1 18.5x31.5 and 2 31.5x23 3/4. Fits a single perfect sheet of melamine. I had home depot cut it. Came home amd stacked it out. You could use 12q instead of 15. Turn them sideways and then you could convert it from an 8 rack of 12q, to 4 rack of 28q....

[MixtSpice]

I just built mine. I have 5 17x23 3/4, 1 18.5x31.5 and 2 31.5x23 3/4. Fits a single perfect sheet of melamine. I had home depot cut it. Came home amd stacked it out. You could use 12q instead of 15. Turn them sideways and then you could convert it from an 8 rack of 12q, to 4 rack of 28q....

Do you happen to have a tutorial typed out or a video?

[bcr229]

If you're not in a hurry keep an eye out on CL and your local reptile FB groups for a used setup. Don't worry if it has more tubs than you want, you can always use the others for storage or just to have an extra "home" ready to go in case your snake makes a massive mess.

[Coluber42]

I'm all for DIY because it's fun and I like to get creative... but if you really feel intimidated by having to design and build your own, why not just buy one? Shop around and order something from a reputable company where they've already figured out what it needs, what dimensions it should have and which bins to use, etc. DIY *can* be cheaper, but if you end up making mistakes or changing your mind or realizing you forgot about something obvious, etc, it might be just as expensive or more so, and a big headache besides.

You'll still have to assemble it when it comes, just like a bookshelf. You'll still have to decide how you want to set up your tubs, etc. But if you feel overwhelmed by doing it totally from scratch, why not just take the guesswork out and buy a stock one?

[redshepherd]

Would moving my girl, who is in a tank right now, into a tub stress her out?

Just to answer this question- no, they generally don't become stressed when moved from a tank to a tub. A tub is in itself a more secure place than an open glass tank.

Some keepers have experienced their bp's becoming more defensive when moved to a tub from a tank, but only when the tub is removed from the rack. If this happens, my theory is that it's so much more secure and dark in a tub, and not being exposed to outside activity, that when the tub is removed from the rack and hits the light/suddenly there's a looming figure, it's more of a shock... so may cause defensive behavior, if that makes sense. But after awhile of getting used to it, the defensiveness goes away.