Deli cups water dishes, pvc pipes and silicone...questions ;)

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Originally Posted by Meerna

Could someone upload a picture of the coupler you're talking about? I've been looking for a way to keep my snakes from dumping their water bowls as well, I already have a tube of that DAP sealant from making things for my axolotls. Are you still planning on gluing the pvc to the tub as well?

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Here you go.. Also this LINK allows you to change the Diamiter you might need for different size water cups/bowls.
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-Pip...itting/3132707

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Originally Posted by BR8080

That is an awesome idea!!!

I've often come home from work (I work midnight shift at the 911 center) and it looks like a bulldozer has been through her enclosure and wondered what I'm going to do when my snakes grow.

The only thing I wonder is if it's large enough for them to get a soak if they want? Do balls ever soak like boas do?

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Aside from some rescues I had many years ago, I never had a Ball Python soaking. Perhaps some do, but I usually see it when there is some kind of issue. Mites, to hot, not enough humidity etc. Every once in a blue moon I found one of my Ball Pythons resting their neck in the water bowl. They never tried to cram in there, though.

If I wanted a dish that lets them soak, I would need a huge one for the really big Ball Pythons and I just don't see that as a necessary thing for Ball Pythons. :)

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Originally Posted by Meerna

Could someone upload a picture of the coupler you're talking about? I've been looking for a way to keep my snakes from dumping their water bowls as well, I already have a tube of that DAP sealant from making things for my axolotls. Are you still planning on gluing the pvc to the tub as well?

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No, if I use the coupler I'm not glueing the deli cup down. The coupler is essentially a "ring" so I will put a bit of the silicone on the bottom of that ring and then a bead all around. I just don't want urine to be able to soak underneath of that ring and the cup. So I want the edge "sealed". The Deli cups will just sit in that ring, easily removable.

Some people glue one deli cup into the enclosure, and then just use that as the "holder", putting another deli cup into this one, exchanging the top one whenever necessary. But I nixed that idea, because I would still want to seal the lower cup down and I'm not sure how long that deli cup would last, through deep cleanings, etc. While the cups I got are pretty sturdy, much more so then I thought they would be, I still don't want the chance of one of the heavier pythons cruising over it and cracking it, cutting themselves on it.

The PVC coupler seems a far better, sturdier and long lasting idea. Shouldn't look bad at all, either. Not sure if I have time to mess with this today, but I will post pictures when I'm done ;)

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Well a 4" coupler is a millimeter bigger so that it slides over a 4" PVC (outside Diameter) pipe..so the 4" coupler should be 100% perfect for you :)

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Yes, it should be !!

And honestly, I don't know how I measured it that first time, sheesh. I don't even have the excuse of having had a drink..LOL

I was in a hurry, though.

I'm glad its actually the perfect size to work with that coupler. Because I bought a "lot" of 250 deli cups ;)

Ok, went on my Lowes trip.

Surprisingly, the 4 inch coupler did NOT work :( It is way to tall. And the deli cup only fits halfway into it. Because of a lip in the middle of the coupler. For that to work, I would have had to cut the coupler in half and then only one part would work, the other would be to short. And the whole point of using a piece such as that was not having to cut. I don't really have the right saw to cut pieces off and have the cut be level all around. And it needs to be level to sit flush in the tub. Couple pics:

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...p/huge/1_1.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...p/huge/2_1.jpg


Next was a 4 inch PVC cap. Now that would be awesome if it was just a little bit taller !! My deli cup sticks out just a tad to much. If a snake cruises on top of the deli cup they can tip it a bit. Not enough to spill water I don't think, but still. If I'm going through all this work, and don't want it to end up being mediocre. The PVC cap is nice and level on the bottom. If the deli cup would be a bit shorter (or the cap higher) this would be my preferred part. Pics:

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...dup/huge/5.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...dup/huge/6.jpg


Next try: a 4 inch PVC female pipe thread adapter. This is a funny one. It actually works quite well. The Deli cup sits just deep enough in it to where the BP's can't tip it at all. It makes the cup sit up higher, but not to high for the tub. Its nice and level on the bottom. The bottom part is wider then the top. Not by much at all, perhaps 2/8th of an inch, all the way around. So the entire diameter is about 1/4 of an inch wider then the 4 inch coupler or cap. You don't loose much space. There are the "ridges" but they aren't sharp at all and may actually be nice for the snake to rub on when shedding. I think I might just go with those. They cost twice as much as the coupler, $4 something, but its worth it for me not having to make those cuts. Pics:

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...p/huge/3_1.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...p/huge/4_1.jpg

Here are a few comparison pictures of both the cap and the adapter in the tubs (not glued in). Also a couple pictures of "side by side". One of them showing how much the Deli cup can "tip" with weight on it. Also, if the BP cruises by the deli cup and sort of slides up sideways, it could possibly lift the deli cup out of the cap with its body. That cannot be done with the adapter, as it is higher. (tested it) So I'm pretty sure I will go with the adapters. Ideally I could make perfectly level cuts and just cut the length I need off of a 4 inch pipe.

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...dup/huge/7.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...dup/huge/9.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...dup/huge/8.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...up/huge/10.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...up/huge/12.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...up/huge/11.jpg

:)

I wish you were close, i would cut 20 cup holders for ya out of a 10' peice of pvc pipe in 5 min flat..
I cant remember how many enclosures you have so im not going to try and talk you into trying it yourself hahahhaha...a small $8 Hack Saw with a metal blade cuts PVC easily with a little common sense and coordination ..the ideal saw would be a Chop saw with a small tooth blade, makes a Perfect cut.
All my babbling aside i'd say you got it nailed down.. I hate to see someone pay so much for a PVC cap but sometimes we all spend a little more for perfection.
I love LOWES, my girls wont even go with me becaue i can get lost for a hour in there lol. I have two 5' pieces of PVC 3/4" painted ripple grit brown that im going to install in my T12. Im going to drill a few holes and attach some reptile safe Vines/leaves onto the PVC branches along with a 8"x5" (scale model) tree swing im hanging too hahahahaha.

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

I wish you were close, i would cut 20 cup holders for ya out of a 10' peice of pvc pipe in 5 min flat..
I cant remember how many enclosures you have so im not going to try and talk you into trying it yourself hahahhaha...a small $8 Hack Saw with a metal blade cuts PVC easily with a little common sense and coordination ..the ideal saw would be a Chop saw with a small tooth blade, makes a Perfect cut.
All my babbling aside i'd say you got it nailed down.. I hate to see someone pay so much for a PVC cap but sometimes we all spend a little more for perfection.
I love LOWES, my girls wont even go with me becaue i can get lost for a hour in there lol. I have two 5' pieces of PVC 3/4" painted ripple grit brown that im going to install in my T12. Im going to drill a few holes and attach some reptile safe Vines/leaves onto the PVC branches along with a 8"x5" (scale model) tree swing im hanging too hahahahaha.

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I only need 6 ;)

So its not to bad. My problem is this...I'm a bit (a lot) OCD. I'm a perfectionist. I would want the cuts REALLY level and sitting nice and flush on the tub so they could easily be glued down without gaps. And while I'm pretty good with home improvement projects and have even worked a bit on vehicles and a lot on improvements at the horse barn, I'm not sure I could get all 6 cuts that perfect with a hand saw. Its not "hard" work, but the saw would have to be held precisely at a straight angle and precisely level. I'm so "a.al" about stuff its not even funny...

I do love Lowes. I think I like Home Depot even better, they seem to have a larger selection and better tools. But its a 30 min drive to the closest Home Depot. Give me a hardware store over the mall any day !!! :)

Make sure you post about your "upgrades" and projects, with lots of pictures. I always need inspiration and ideas !! :)

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Originally Posted by zina10

Aside from some rescues I had many years ago, I never had a Ball Python soaking. Perhaps some do, but I usually see it when there is some kind of issue. Mites, to hot, not enough humidity etc. Every once in a blue moon I found one of my Ball Pythons resting their neck in the water bowl. They never tried to cram in there, though.

If I wanted a dish that lets them soak, I would need a huge one for the really big Ball Pythons and I just don't see that as a necessary thing for Ball Pythons. :)

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Awesome - thank you - I'm still trying to figure things out as I'm new to snake ownership and appreciate the info from experienced owners such as yourself :bow:

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Originally Posted by zina10

I only need 6 ;)

So its not to bad. My problem is this...I'm a bit (a lot) OCD. I'm a perfectionist. I would want the cuts REALLY level and sitting nice and flush on the tub so they could easily be glued down without gaps. And while I'm pretty good with home improvement projects and have even worked a bit on vehicles and a lot on improvements at the horse barn, I'm not sure I could get all 6 cuts that perfect with a hand saw. Its not "hard" work, but the saw would have to be held precisely at a straight angle and precisely level. I'm so "a.al" about stuff its not even funny...

I do love Lowes. I think I like Home Depot even better, they seem to have a larger selection and better tools. But its a 30 min drive to the closest Home Depot. Give me a hardware store over the mall any day !!! :)

Make sure you post about your "upgrades" and projects, with lots of pictures. I always need inspiration and ideas !! :)

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Ohhh ok, well 6 is ok if you have to spend a few bucks extra for perfection lol. I know all about that hahha Im that guy that buys white Lvrm rugs then has anxioty because the Couch Throw Blankests drop fuzzies on it hahahahahaha.
The Silicone works great too so your going to love it. I use it to tack my wires down in the enclosures. It holds better than tape ever would and its safe for the snakes Win Win. Put a bead around the bottom and stick it where you want it.. leave for 30min and you'll love the results. If you even have to rearrange things it scrapes off easily too.
Im patiently waiting for the new T12 to come. Ive made diagrams of how Im setting it up, drilling & running the panel/Tstat/therm wires ect along with the PVC fake branches..
As much as I love AP the wait time of 3-4mos is kinda nuts.. 2 months is no biggy but geez 12-14weeks is getting to long. (However I will be extremely happy and it will be well worth the wait) ;)

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Originally Posted by Mr Sully

Ohhh ok, well 6 is ok if you have to spend a few bucks extra for perfection lol. I know all about that hahha Im that guy that buys white Lvrm rugs then has anxioty because the Couch Throw Blankests drop fuzzies on it hahahahahaha.
The Silicone works great too so your going to love it. I use it to tack my wires down in the enclosures. It holds better than tape ever would and its safe for the snakes Win Win. Put a bead around the bottom and stick it where you want it.. leave for 30min and you'll love the results. If you even have to rearrange things it scrapes off easily too.
Im patiently waiting for the new T12 to come. Ive made diagrams of how Im setting it up, drilling & running the panel/Tstat/therm wires ect along with the PVC fake branches..
As much as I love AP the wait time of 3-4mos is kinda nuts.. 2 months is no biggy but geez 12-14weeks is getting to long. (However I will be extremely happy and it will be well worth the wait) ;)

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Oh wow...I had no idea the wait is THAT long on the AP cages. I thought the wait on my Boaphile rack was long, lol. I guess good things are worth waiting for. But 4 month ?? sheesh..

So all my adapters are glued and sealed into the new tubs and curing. Going to wait until Tuesday and then add aspen and snakes, LOL.

http://photos.imageevent.com/morgens...11160973_n.jpg