Question about plastic fumes

[Mindibun]

I've got a milk in a 15 qt. tub, but I noticed today that when I opened it it smelled very strongly of plastic. He's so young that the holes are very tiny and I'm now worried that he's not getting enough ventilation. Will the smell of the plastic fumes hurt him at all?

My ball python's tub doesn't have that smell and I honestly think it's because there's a size difference in the holes.

[wilomn]

It is possible to do damage to your snake with plastic fumes.

Take a soldering iron, 1/8 inch in diameter, and enlarge the holes. Big enough for good circulation and small enough to prevent escape.

[Mindibun]

That's the size that I used, and he has them going all around the top lip. I'm going to add some more tomorrow. I hope it doesn't mess with the temps and humidity too much.

[ev477]

Take a soldering iron, 1/8 inch in diameter, and enlarge the holes.

I don't have much experience, but the fumes could be from the soldering iron. It should go away with time, but since it's the smell lingering in the cage and not burning plastic then it probably isn't harming it. I recommend cleaning the lid with rubbing alcohol then water to try to rid it of the smell.

[wilomn]

Actually, with a soldering iron once you're done heating the plastic, the fumes are gone.

It may just be a new batch of tubs from the manufacturer. In that case the smell will disapate with time.

[MelissaFlipski]

Actually, with a soldering iron once you're done heating the plastic, the fumes are gone.

It may just be a new batch of tubs from the manufacturer. In that case the smell will disapate with time.

Yes, I'd vote for off-gassing - it's the release of fumes from new products. Next time you take out the snake, do it soon, leave the top open in an airy place (outside?) so it can release all the fumes.

It can harm your snake's lungs - and yours! I'm particularly sensitive to that stuff b/c I have asthma and allergies.

The sooner and more you air it out, the sooner it will go away.

[Ophiuchus]

I'm glad this thread popped up. I just noticed this yesterday with my tub. Yet 2 weeks ago I had added 2x as many holes, but I have also recently added a larger UTH. Perhaps this is the reason.

[MelissaFlipski]

I'm glad this thread popped up. I just noticed this yesterday with my tub. Yet 2 weeks ago I had added 2x as many holes, but I have also recently added a larger UTH. Perhaps this is the reason.

Yes, the UTH may be heating up the plastic enough to release fumes. Do you have a dimmer or rheostat on it to turn it down? If it's hot enough to release fumes, make sure it's not also hot enough to burn your snake if it sits on it a long time.

Also, if any of you have powertools, I recommend a power drill for making holes. Using a soldering iron releases fumes which are not healthy for you.

[wilomn]

The problem with drilling is it can leave some very sharp pieces of plastic on the inside of the tub for your snake to rub itself on.

I always do my venting outside. The soldering iron makes for smooth holes, much preferred. Also the drill can crack the plastic if you are over enthusiastic in your pushing.

[Ophiuchus]

I used a drill for the first holes, but I used a icepick for the rest. Smaller holes but worked just as quick.

My UTH is on a rheostat, and I check it everyday to make sure its not getting too hot. Its kinda bowed the bottom of the tub a little but I haven't seen any warping/blistering so far. Will the UTH (ZooMed brand - one size up from the mini) continually do this, or will the fumes disipate in time? Right now, I have the tub open to air it out a little. Should I look into heating it another way?