Tub Set Up Checklist - Questions!

[HelloSonya]

I've been back and forth with my local pet store and am looking to buy a baby BP pretty soon here! I've taken care of a snake once before but was rushed into it, and didn't have everything set up in advanced. It was a mess.

After lots of research and months of interest, I've decided on a tub enclosure. Here's a quick list of things I've put together for what I want to pick up ahead of time.

Please add suggestions and anything I've missed.

- Plastic tub (6 qt)
http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid...d=HPProd280053
Is this a good brand and style? What styles should I stay away from?

- UTH
http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/En...I7czoxOiIwIjt9
Probably ZooMed brand.

-Rheostat/Meters
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752611
I had difficulty finding "rheostats" online at other major stores like Walmart or Target. Are thermostats and rheostats the same thing? Will regular kitchen thermometers or household humidity gauges work just as well in the enclosure? Are there humidity/temp guns so you don't have to keep it in the cage at all times?

- Hides and Waterbowl

- Aspen
I read online that BPs sometimes like to burrow, but I see that many people just use newspaper. Does this cause conflict?

How am I doin'?!

[Argentra]

Looks good...few things to point out:

They outgrow a 6qt kinda fast. I would go with a 12qt tub instead. And make sure the lid is secure on the ends even though you'll also need binder clips or bungee cords to keep the middle shut.

A ZooMed UTH is fine, make sure to get the 1-5 gallon size for a small tub.

You won't find thermoSTATS in any store...silly as that may be since they are a vital piece of equipment. And no, rheostats and thermometers are very different. You'll need a good digital thermometer, such as an Acurite in/out/humidity from WalMart or the Exo Terra digital ones and those read the temps and humidity in your tub.
Also, rather than a rheostat I would recommend getting a ZooMed ReptiTemp 500R thermostat for now until you could afford (if you can't) to get a good stat like a Johnson or Herpstat.
Yes, there are temp guns and they are great!

Remember to use smaller hides and water bowl. They don't need to be able to soak in their dish.

And most people use just newspaper for the ease of just crumpling it up and putting in a new sheet. Some BPs will burrow a bit, but use of aspen is more for the spot cleaning ease and good looks.

[SatanicIntention]

www.reptilebasics.com

You can get your flexwatt or undertank heater here, as well as a nice thermostat that will hopefully last the life of your snake. Spending an extra $40 now on a good, digital thermostat instead of waiting for a cheap "thermostat" to break and cook your snake, is worth it. The Johnson Controls and Rancos are only $75.

With tubs, the Sterilite brand will be your best bet. Target has some nice ones that go by the name of ClearView. The 16qt in that model is nice and clear and is easy to clean(bottom of tub doesn't have ridges or holes molded into it). They run maybe $5.

You can get a nice digital thermometer/hygrometer combo unit at WalMart for around $12. Brand name is AcuRite and they are generally found in the garden center or in the lighting section(where the other indoor/outdoor thermometers are).

Use newspaper or paper towels for the first couple of weeks just in case your snake has mites. If you buy from a high quality breeder, you won't have mites. Pet stores, yes.

Also, when using newspaper, you'll be able to see how much they urinate. When using aspen and other particulate substrates, you can't see that as much as the urine hides underneath the aspen. Pretty gross if you ask me. Even baby ball pythons can pee up a storm, so I just prefer to clean once and have it actually CLEAN, than to spot clean and still have the snake lying in filth.