Tub setup questions

[bsd13]

I've decided that I'm going to start setting up a tub this next week and move my ball from his tank. It's not going to be in a rack (aside from sitting on a bookshelf) so I wanted to make sure that I was going to go spend my money on what I really need.

Is there a particular type of lid I should be looking for? I'm assuming that generic pressure lock lids are enough to keep
things secure or should I be after lids with clamps?

I'm going to use newspaper, but wondering can it be printed or is the ink toxic to them?

Finally I'll probably go with heating tape for the simple fact it is less expensive than prefabbed UTH's. I'm not having any luck finding it locally via internet searches. Should I be asking/searching for something other than Flexwatt or heating tape (which it turns out is a plumbing insulation tape).

Thanks I appreciate the help!

[JLC]

I've got two tubs set up and they just sit on individual shelves...no rack here, either. It works well.

Any snug fitting lid is fine...but don't assume it'll be all you need. Mine fits very tightly on my big girl's tub and I was sure she couldn't get out....but she managed to pop it off in the middle of the night once. NOW....I keep it clamped shut as well as have a huge, heavy book laying on top of it.

Printed newspaper is fine.

Flexwatt is great...but your best bet is to order it online. Try reptilebasics.com.

Hope that helps!!

[Austin Smith]

Here's a picture of my tub to give you an idea. Aspen bedding, pot bottom hides, two UTHs from petsmart connected to homemade rheostats.



I don't use any clamps other then the green lid locks you can see there. This is not necissarily a good idea but I believe it to be fine for this particular snake. Binder clips do not fit on this model of tub so if you want to take that rought I suggest buying a different model.

Good luck!
-Austin

[bsd13]

Thanks for the replies. Tubs seem a lot more manageable than a tank. I'm still wondering if it is possible to buy flexwatt (or a generic version) locally or my only option would be the internet?

[NickP]

Here's a picture of my tub to give you an idea. Aspen bedding, pot bottom hides, two UTHs from petsmart connected to homemade rheostats.

Home made? Haha! How did you make it?

[Argentra]

Another good option for keeping the lids closed is those mini bungee cords. You have to move slow when taking them off, of course, but they hold that lid on just right.

[MelissaFlipski]

Home made? Haha! How did you make it?

You go to a home improvement store and buy a dimmer switch and an electrical box and cut it into your heat lamp cord. With a little electrical experience this is a $6 or so set up as opposed to $20 to $25 for a rheostat at a pet store. My husband has done this a few times for our snakes.

Also, IMHO, the lid should be locking AND you should use heavy binder clips on the sides or the bungees like someone else said.

You can use flexwatt or a regular heating pad set on low - as long as you make sure there is no chance of heat build up. Our jungle carpet python has a heating pad under his tub - and it's all on a metal filing cabinet so the heat can transfer to the metal instead of heating the plastic tub too much.

Have fun with a power drill to creat ventilation and you'll be ready to go.

Have fun!

PS I LOVE your avatar. Do you have full body pics to share?

[bsd13]

Another good option for keeping the lids closed is those mini bungee cords. You have to move slow when taking them off, of course, but they hold that lid on just right.

Oh, good idea. I've got tons of those laying around. Good deal, thanks!

[bsd13]

You go to a home improvement store and buy a dimmer switch and an electrical box and cut it into your heat lamp cord. With a little electrical experience this is a $6 or so set up as opposed to $20 to $25 for a rheostat at a pet store. My husband has done this a few times for our snakes.

Also, IMHO, the lid should be locking AND you should use heavy binder clips on the sides or the bungees like someone else said.

You can use flexwatt or a regular heating pad set on low - as long as you make sure there is no chance of heat build up. Our jungle carpet python has a heating pad under his tub - and it's all on a metal filing cabinet so the heat can transfer to the metal instead of heating the plastic tub too much.

Have fun with a power drill to creat ventilation and you'll be ready to go.

Have fun!

PS I LOVE your avatar. Do you have full body pics to share?

I'll definitely use the bungees and look for a clamping lid. As far as heat build up would raising it up about an inch with wood be ok to let the heat dissipate? I'm assuming it would but want to play it safe. I'll probably just buy a commercial thermostat to handle the temps. Not an electrician so not inclined to burn myself down and even less fond of electrocution.

And here's a few pictures of him.

[Austin Smith]

There's a post somewhere on the forums that has link to a page on how to make homemade rheostats. Thats how I learned. You will have to do a little digging to find it.