Some questions from a new owner - my apologies

I just went out and got some stuff, as this is my first snake. I picked up a sterilite container with a locking top that measures 26 inches long and 18 inches deep, and a zoo med 10-20 gallon UTH, but I am unsure if the UTH will get hot enough for my tub, just wanted to ask what you all thought about that. I also picked up a thermostat and an accurite probed thermometer/hygrometer. Also on the UTH's directions it says to only use with glass tanks and not to use with plastic tanks, but I wanted to ask you guys if it was safe or not to be sure before I went and returned it. Sorry for all the questions I just wanted to be absolutely sure everything was correct. Posting this at 3:00am because I am too darned excited to sleep, and I don't even have him yet lol.

You can use it on a plastic tub as long as you have that thermostat working properly :)

The reason they say to only use them on glass tanks is they get dangerously hot and could melt plastic if not used with a t-stat or at the very least a dimmer...

What type of UTH did you buy?

MOST brands of UTH's get too hot and need to be controlled by a thermostat or herpstat.

So far though, you've done pretty well for a first time owner. Don't forget the hides! :]

Also, make sure the 'locking' on the tub doesn't allow you to lift up any space on the sides or pull it off with little effort. If it does you can get some heavy duty large paper stack clips to clamp it down. :]

Drill/melt holes into the side of the tub too.

Ok, I'm tired and done. Good luck!

Yea I used a hot soldering iron to melt various holes in the tub, I'd say about 24 all together. Didn't forget the hides, just forgot to mention them. I got 3 small hides from reptile basics, one for the hot end, one for the cool end, and one to go in the middle. Oh yeah and a water dish too. My new snake should be here wednesday and I can't even fall asleep, doh.

Reptile Basics is an awesome business and Rich is a terrific human being. If you don't have a thermostat, Rich sells a couple of different ones and so he can hook you up with the one you need for your tub set-up!!

Woohoo for the Wednesday arrival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana:

There's really no reason to apologize!
We love when people are trying hard to do things the best way for their animals!

It's our pleasure to see you asking intelligent questions :)

You'll be surprised how much heat a tub can hold compared to a glass tank. My tubs are around the same size as yours and all I have is a 3" strip of flexwatt across one end. Keeps it all warm and cozy inside.