Hello guys! Needs help for tub setup and humidity keeping..Thank you so much!!!

[alice40604345]

Hello guys!! I'm new to tub but heard it's perfect for keeping humidity and heat. I just got my Suriname boa who is just two-months old. I kept him in a 18''x18''x18'' terrarium which is really difficult for keeping both heat and humidity high together. So I just got this plastic tub. May I know is this one good for him? It's 24''x18''x7. Can I stick a heat mat directly under it like zoomed 12''x8''? Will it melt or emit toxic things? Should I leave some space between the bottom of the heat mat and the floor? I'll plug it into a thermostat. And for the humidity, since it's a tub, I think I can not use a fogger anymore, but is it enough for keeping around 80% humidity with cypress mulch and some moss bedding and a water bowl? I think I can also not use a CHE for this, so will the heat mat be enough for the heat? I used a drill for drilling holes but it leaves some rough and sharp parts, may I know is there any good way to get rid of it? And is soldering iron a good choice? May I know around how many holes I should drill? Sorry for so many stupid questions and thank you so much for your help!!

[alice40604345]

Oh and I see some instruction videos people place the probe of the thermostat between the tub and heat mat, is that a good method or should I place the probe inside the tub under the hide? Thank you so much!

[MissterDog]

I have the same kind of tub that I've been working with in preparation for my russian rat snake. I can say that the tub holds in humidity SUPER well, in my case, a little too well where I had to melt more holes than expected. But for a species that needs high humidity I imagine it would be perfect. It's also super escape proof which I love.

I find for air holes I prefer soldering iron because it keeps things smooth, so yes you can try to 'melt' the rough edges to smooth them down. Just wear a mask and be in a well ventilated room! I recommending testing on some scrap plastic beforehand just to get a feel of it first, you'd be surprised how easily and fast the soldering iron melts through! Alternatively you can try sanding it down just beware you may scratch the plastic which doesn't look the greatest.

As for the amount of holes that really depends on how humid it is where you live and in your house. I'd start with the minimal amount you think you need to test it out and take record of how high the humidity is before adding more holes.

As for the uth and thermostat, here is a diagram of how it should be set up.





For heat pads I'd actually recommend using Ultratherm since they don't get as hot and you don't have to deal with a sticky adhesive backing As long as you have it regulated by a thermostat it won't melt through plastic. A heat pad alone can be fine if your room ambient is above 75F. If that's not the case then, it is possible to set up a CHE but you'd have too make sure everything is safe and if your tub is high enough, which user @Starscream highlights here: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...with-pictures)

Alternatively you can use two heatpads ( a thermostat for each) one for the cool surface temp and one for the hot spot.

Just make sure once you'd finished adjusting your tub to test and run temps for at least a week to make sure everything is stable before moving your snake in.

Edit: Just realized this is for a Suriname boa and not a bp, so I'm not sure what the lowest acceptable temp is for them. The ambient 75F quote was with a bp in mind so if someone needs to confirm or clarify what is an acceptable ambient temp, please chime in.

[alice40604345]

Thank you so much!!!!! It's really really helpful! The picture is super clear!!! My soldering iron will arrive in next two days! Can't wait! Should I use a foil tape to stick the probe to the heat mat? I saw some videos people do it like that but I'm not sure~~ I didn't find many Suriname care sheets, but after reading them all I think the temperature may should be between 75-92. The two heat mat idea is great! I was actually worried about deep enclosure will make it difficult to keep temperature so I choose this shallow one... not sure is it OK for him. Oh! And may I know if I make only a few holes and the humidity and temperature is always high, like 80% humidity, will it cause some problems? Like RI or other sicknesses? Since the air flow will be not that good if there are fewer holes. Thank you so much!!!

I have the same kind of tub that I've been working with in preparation for my russian rat snake. I can say that the tub holds in humidity SUPER well, in my case, a little too well where I had to melt more holes than expected. But for a species that needs high humidity I imagine it would be perfect. It's also super escape proof which I love.

I find for air holes I prefer soldering iron because it keeps things smooth, so yes you can try to 'melt' the rough edges to smooth them down. Just wear a mask and be in a well ventilated room! I recommending testing on some scrap plastic beforehand just to get a feel of it first, you'd be surprised how easily and fast the soldering iron melts through! Alternatively you can try sanding it down just beware you may scratch the plastic which doesn't look the greatest.

As for the amount of holes that really depends on how humid it is where you live and in your house. I'd start with the minimal amount you think you need to test it out and take record of how high the humidity is before adding more holes.

As for the uth and thermostat, here is a diagram of how it should be set up.





For heat pads I'd actually recommend using Ultratherm since they don't get as hot and you don't have to deal with a sticky adhesive backing As long as you have it regulated by a thermostat it won't melt through plastic. A heat pad alone can be fine if your room ambient is above 75F. If that's not the case then, it is possible to set up a CHE but you'd have too make sure everything is safe and if your tub is high enough, which user @Starscream highlights here: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...with-pictures)

Alternatively you can use two heatpads ( a thermostat for each) one for the cool surface temp and one for the hot spot.

Just make sure once you'd finished adjusting your tub to test and run temps for at least a week to make sure everything is stable before moving your snake in.

Edit: Just realized this is for a Suriname boa and not a bp, so I'm not sure what the lowest acceptable temp is for them. The ambient 75F quote was with a bp in mind so if someone needs to confirm or clarify what is an acceptable ambient temp, please chime in.

[MissterDog]

Thank you so much!!!!! It's really really helpful! The picture is super clear!!! My soldering iron will arrive in next two days! Can't wait! Should I use a foil tape to stick the probe to the heat mat? I saw some videos people do it like that but I'm not sure~~ I didn't find many Suriname care sheets, but after reading them all I think the temperature may should be between 75-92. The two heat mat idea is great! I was actually worried about deep enclosure will make it difficult to keep temperature so I choose this shallow one... not sure is it OK for him. Oh! And may I know if I make only a few holes and the humidity and temperature is always high, like 80% humidity, will it cause some problems? Like RI or other sicknesses? Since the air flow will be not that good if there are fewer holes. Thank you so much!!!

It's up to you if you want to use foil tape. Most keepers swear by it. (Personally I prefer painters tape but that's just me). If you do use foil tape just make sure not to tape the thermostat probe head itself and tape the very neck of it instead (the wire) as foil tape may cause inaccurate readings. Just make sure it's snug and secure so there is no chance of it moving.

As for humidity limitations and ventilation I can't say for sure since I'm not at all familiar with Suriname boa husbandry. Hopefully someone who is can share their feedback!

[alice40604345]

Oh! Thank you so much!! I'll pay attention to it! Let me post a thread in boa category for the humidity and heat question.

It's up to you if you want to use foil tape. Most keepers swear by it. (Personally I prefer painters tape but that's just me). If you do use foil tape just make sure not to tape the thermostat probe head itself and tape the very neck of it instead (the wire) as foil tape may cause inaccurate readings. Just make sure it's snug and secure so there is no chance of it moving.

As for humidity limitations and ventilation I can't say for sure since I'm not at all familiar with Suriname boa husbandry. Hopefully someone who is can share their feedback!