I can't believe I did this...

[mrshawt]

I bought a tub (41qt).

I was thinking about the idea at Walmart, and decided to pick one up. Currently I use a 20L tank which isn't too bad, but you have to fight to maintain temps/humidity. I like how it looks, but with the amount of care and insulation required, it detracts from the look.

I figured I would try the tub once I get home from Maryland. I also want to switch from using Repti Bark to unprinted newspaper, which I will see if a local newspaper will give me some. I currently have three thermometers too, so maybe with an Accurite it will be easier. For those of you that use them, do you have the unit's internal probe temp as the cool hide temp, ambient temp, or both?

One last question: How can I secure the lid so there won't be escapes? Would those black butterfly paper clips work?

I hope this works out in the end. It will require a little more money invested, but I think it will save me in the end.

Any other tips are greatly appreciated, but I don't wanna hear any "I told you so's" about switching to tubs haha.

[ItsMichael805]

you could try to those locking lids?

[JLC]

When I had a tub w/ lid set-up....I had the probe with the cord under the warm hide...and the unit itself propped up in the corner of the cool side of the enclosure. The problem with this was that the snake would often knock it over so I couldn't read it easily....AND....more than once, it got peed on and ruined. Have spares handy. There's a thread stickied somewhere....either in the caging forum or the diy forum...that tells how to rewire one of those digital thermometers so that all three probes (both temps and humidity) can be on cords in the enclosure while the unit sits safely on the outside.

For securing the lid...I had a lid that "locked" at the ends, but I still needed those black metal clips AND some heavy books on the top. These guys are stronger than you'd think!

[Patricia]

and the unit itself propped up in the corner of the cool side of the enclosure. The problem with this was that the snake would often knock it over so I couldn't read it easily....AND....more than once, it got peed on and ruined.

Ours is velcroed to the side of the tank, a few inches up from the substrate. Perhaps when it's adult size and much heavier, it'll knock it over. For now, it looks at the numbers and then drapes itself over it, LOL!

[mrshawt]

Ah, this Walmart only seemed to have the regular 41qt covers. I was also surprised to see they didn't have the Accurite as well. I might have to wait until I get home.

There's a thread stickied somewhere....either in the caging forum or the diy forum...that tells how to rewire one of those digital thermometers so that all three probes (both temps and humidity) can be on cords in the enclosure while the unit sits safely on the outside.

Yeah, I know what thread you're talking about. I was debating doing that as well, but then I won't be able to check ambient temps. Although, I'm sure, they should be about the same in a tub.

[mrshawt]

I found two different 41 qt tubs at Target. One does not have locking clips built it and is a bit longer than the other (34x16?x6). The other one does have locking clips, but is more square (30?x18x7). Which one do you all prefer? I was leaning towards the longer one as it would have more of a temp gradient.

[mrshawt]

No comments anyone? I hate to bump this, but I might be setting up the tub in the next couple of days.

[Kaorte]

Long tub. I think cage furniture would fit better in there.

I consider the ambient and coolside temp to be the same. as long as it is above 80* on the cool side, I am good.

So I place the accurite on the cool side and then put the probe over the UTH.


oh yeah *cough*toldyouso*cough*

[Jenn]

It's almost worth setting up a cheap rack if you're going with tubs. For just a few bucks you can through together a rack if you're at all handy. If you are going to set up flexwatt, thermometer, thermostat... It's just as easy to do it for a few tubs as it is for just one.

I understand that not everyone can do this but it's so nice to have an empty tub to put the thermometer in where the snake can't destroy it. Just take your readings from the empty tub and as long as everything is set up the same all the tubs readings will be the same. And cleaning day is a breeze. Just throw the snake in the next tub down and clean the top one.

Don't throw away your tank. I've had a few BPs that I switched over from tanks to tubs only to have to switch them back to tanks! It's clearly the exception, but it happens.

[blackcrystal22]

I found two different 41 qt tubs at Target. One does not have locking clips built it and is a bit longer than the other (34x16?x6). The other one does have locking clips, but is more square (30?x18x7). Which one do you all prefer? I was leaning towards the longer one as it would have more of a temp gradient.

If your not planning on turning into a rack, I might consider the clips. 4 inches isn't that big of a deal really..
They help out big time at keeping the lids on and often the lids are thicker material and more secure.

Also, why would anyone say 'I told you so' about the tubs? Most people on this site suggest tubs.. though I usually suggest a 32q for adults. O.o