Sterilite plastic tubs/containers?

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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Thermostats can be pricey. This thermostat is a very good deal and it's also reliable. The heat mat plugs right into the thermostat, and the thermostat plugs into the wall. Don't worry about asking dumb questions, the more questions you ask the more knowledge you gain. We WANT you to ask these questions, so we can help you care for your pet the way the need to be taken care of.

I use the 40qt Sterilite tubs with the grey handles that lock instead of just latching. I've never had an escapee, but I have had one escape from the tubs with the green latches. SO if you decide on a green latch tub, be sure you use some kind of device for security.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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The Tstat will have have at least 1 "female" outlet to plug the heating device into. You can get a non-proportional Tstat which just turns the power on or off according to the temperature you have it set at. Those are cheaper than proportional Tstats, which controls the amount of power given to a device instead of turning it on and off.

An example of Non-Proportional:
http://www.herpsupplies.com/product....0&id=SZMRT500R

An example of Proportional:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/johnson...pre-wired.html

Not saying those are the ones to buy, that kind of gives you a ball park range of prices between proportional and non-proportional. I chose a Herpstat, which is proportional, and I love it. My heat pad reached a maximum of 114* before I got my Tstat. Now, it stays at constant temperatures from 90.7*-91*. :)

A lot of good ideas in here.

You can get an Acu-rite thermometer, and a table lamp dimmer. I got both of mine at Lowes and walked out for under $20. You plug the heating pad into the table lamp dimmer, and then using the Acu-rite thermometer probe attached to the heat pad, you can adjust your dimmer to be hotter or colder for the pad. I'll post pictures tonight, I have it in my glass tank, but still the same idea.

The tubs should have no problem keeping 92 degree temps at the pad, and you shouldn't have to worry about the plastic melting.

I successfully kept 8 young adult BP's in Iris brand tubs with locking lids for many months, and I still have 6 in them now.

Tubs are excellent for humidity, my balls all shed perfect. They are light and easy to clean. and as long as you use a thermostat, you won't need to worry about melting. Believe me, if your heat source is hot enough to melt the tub, that's going to be the least of your worries.

Granted, they aren't as clear as glass, but I can still see my babies just fine to know when they are hungry, or exploring, or making a mess. :P

I kept mine on one of those large, extra heavy duty wire shelving units I got from Lowe's. And they did just fine. In fact, when I moved them into their lovingly built rack, everyone stopped eating in protest! Little buggers. So I say, go for it!

Gale

Think about it this way - if the heat pad gets hot enough to melt the plastic, then it's hot enough to kill your snake. It must be on a thermostat.

I have two identical desks, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Both have three Sterilite tubs on them, set up like this:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...Tub/Setup3.jpg

I've even bred and had clutches laid in these set-ups.

Thanks for all the awesome feedback everyone :D
I bought some tubs today and have a couple more questions.. So
is it better to drill holes or use a different method?
And if i do drill holes will i have to make sure to sand off the rough edges?
Also if i have multiple tubs will i need multiple thermostats? Or just one?
If anyone could show me a picture of their thermostat plugged into the wall that'd be great!

You can use the same thermostat if all the heat pads are the same size and wattage. Plug the heat pads into a power strip or surge protector. Then plug the power strip into the thermostat. The thermostat will control power to anything plugged into the power strip. Pretty easy to do.

When you bought the tubs you needed to pick up a soldering pen to make holes, they are under $10, I got mine for $5 at Harbor Freight.

I use the sterilite gray handle locking tubs and the sterilite green locking tubs and have for over two years and no escapes in either.
I start with 6 holes per side and 4 per end and add more holes if needed.

Or if you have the drill bits, save the money and use them. Just dont push hard with the drill or the plastic can crack. Its not a big deal if it does though.

Alright I used the drill on one of the tubs and no cracks! Is it ohkay to sand the edges though? They aren't too rough but I would worry... What would you recommend for substrate?