Tub size and heat cable

My ball python is currently in a 20 long aquarium but I'd like to move him into a tub enclosure. I was wondering if exo terra heat cable would be a good choice for underneath the tub? I currently use a zoo med heat pad hooked up to a thermostat but think it probably wouldn't be too great on a tub. Thoughts on this? I work for a pet store so I get a discount on everything and the heat cable is discounted right now, if it is okay, what wattage would I want?

Also, having trouble finding out how many holes in the tub to put? Do I put them all around the tub or no? Sorry for the stupid questions, I'm ust horrible at DIY stuff. I live in Upstate New York if that helps any. Thank you!

ive never used heat cable but i have used the pads from zoomed to trex to everyone else out there and as long as its on a thermostat you should be ok. Itll keep your mat from going too high or too low. good luck

My vision racks use heat cable connected to a helix thermostat and it works great for me. I would definately not use it w/o a thermostat. As for the holes in the tubs I just add them a couple at a time (one on each side) until my humidity drops to where I want it, but I live in a place with super high humidity year round so you maybe should get an opinion from someone in your area for that one.

How do you attach the heat cable to a tub?

just use the pads easy to attach and if you do it right easy to take off. additionally the heat cable doesn't heat well as it is a thin piece giving off heat instead of the whole mat i've read lots of bad reviews on it plus like 6 of the feet out of the total length doesn't heat because it the plug in part..

If you do use heat cable you could tape to the outside bottom of the tub as for the wholes i'd drill like 10 on each of the shorter sides put the lid on with a humidity gauge and bowl of water inside wait a day of two see what the humidity is. if its 50 to 60% your good if its in the 70 to 80% or higher drill a few more also search youtube you'd be amazed how many people post these kind of dyi stuff