Tub Questions

[Lolo76]

I finally got my Sterilite tubs (yay), and just read through the sticky on setup... but of course, there are a few more questions I have to ask. TIA for any advice!

- I only have the 3 UTHs on my current tanks, so how do I get the tubs stabilized before moving the snakes? Wouldn't I have to freeze them in their current homes to do that? I can't afford to buy 3 spare heaters!

- That thread says not to stick the UTH directly on a tub, but rather to leave the paper on. Since I've already taken off the paper (to stick to my glass tanks), how do I make them plastic-safe again?

- Can you stack tubs without a rack? I will be getting one eventually, but in the meantime I thought about stacking at least 2 of the tubs.

- This might be a really stupid question, but just to verify... do more holes equal lower humidity and vice-versa? My house is pretty cold and dry, so maybe I should start with fewer holes than usual - and just add as needed.

- Finally, will they still need two identical hides? Delilah and Mona have rock caves that are pretty big, so I can't fit two of each in a tub. Should I just get rid of those and get flatter ones instead? (like these: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Hide-Boxes-p-1-c-282.html)

[abuja]

The way I switched tank to tub a few days back, is I held him for 2 hours until the heat mat had adjusted.

My UTH is directly on the plastic, and the plastic hasn't melted one bit.

I'm not really sure about that one.

Yeah. Adding more holes will reduce the humidity significantly because of more air flow.

My little guy doesn't have 2 identical hides and is just fine. But if you want 2 identical ones, those look good.

[Hapa_Haole]

Wrap the UTH's in tin foil to cure the stickies.

Your snakes will be fine without heat for a couple hours. Just make sure they haven't recently eaten and get the temps stable asap!

Dennis

[mrshawt]

Once you take the UTHs off the tanks, just keep the ambient temps up higher than 70. You could wrap the tanks in a blanket if your house is colder than that like you said. It won't really hurt them for a couple hours.

[Lolo76]

Thanks everyone! I thought it took DAYS to stabilize, so I was more worried than necessary... LOL.

[Kaorte]

I finally got my Sterilite tubs (yay), and just read through the sticky on setup... but of course, there are a few more questions I have to ask. TIA for any advice!

- I only have the 3 UTHs on my current tanks, so how do I get the tubs stabilized before moving the snakes? Wouldn't I have to freeze them in their current homes to do that? I can't afford to buy 3 spare heaters!

They will be fine for a few hours without heat.

- That thread says not to stick the UTH directly on a tub, but rather to leave the paper on. Since I've already taken off the paper (to stick to my glass tanks), how do I make them plastic-safe again?

The only reason UTHs are plastic safe is because they should be used with a thermostat. If the UTH is regulated properly it shouldn't matter if it has the paper on or not. I just hope you can peel the UTHs off the tanks without screwing them up.

- Can you stack tubs without a rack? I will be getting one eventually, but in the meantime I thought about stacking at least 2 of the tubs.

You could stack them but then the bottom tub (and all the tubs in the center) will be receiving a hot spot of 92* from the bottom and top. I don't Think this would be *bad*. You could try it out and see how it works. If there is a huge temp difference, I would just line them up side by side.

- This might be a really stupid question, but just to verify... do more holes equal lower humidity and vice-versa? My house is pretty cold and dry, so maybe I should start with fewer holes than usual - and just add as needed.

More holes = Lower humidity
Less holes = Higher humidity.
Add holes as needed.

- Finally, will they still need two identical hides? Delilah and Mona have rock caves that are pretty big, so I can't fit two of each in a tub. Should I just get rid of those and get flatter ones instead? (like these: http://www.reptilebasics.com/Hide-Boxes-p-1-c-282.html)

If they aren't in a rack setup, use two hides. Racks are usually enclosed on three sides which makes it pretty dark and cozy. If the tub is standing alone, it isn't as enclosed. My snakes actually use hides that are way to small for them. They still like to use them so I haven't bothered to upgrade. If you think it is worth it to get some new hides, then go for it!

yay tubs!

[joshn6805]

Everybody here has gave you all the advice you asked for so I just wanted to congratulate you.
Welcome to the tub-club and I gurantee you will never think twice about putting them back in those tanks

[Lolo76]

Thanks again! One more question, though... Mona has been in shed for about a week, and seems a few more days away from finishing. Should I wait until she's done before moving her? The obvious answer seems to be yes, but I'm afraid she will have a horrible shed in her current tank. It's been so cold (outside) this week, I can barely keep the hot side above 82 - and the humidity stays around 50-55, even with frequent misting. Is it too late to save this shed cycle?

[Lolo76]

P.S. With the help of my roommate and a new electric drill (another pickup from Walmart today), we got holes in two of the tubs - halfway there!

[Kaorte]

I would just move her. Stress does not affect a shed. Proper husbandry does.