need help please :D

very helpful! we have one with two latches (one on each side) and it has holes on it for Velcro strips or for string to tie the rest shut and secure it! I've tested it by trying to pull up on it and it didn't budge.

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Originally Posted by BoopsTheBallPython

lol that's what I told my dad we are getting light strips to put on the cap to the tote and it has a remote so right when I wake up I will just press a button and KABLOOF there is light:)

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Snakes need some light, but a bright light will stress them, especially when it's suddenly on.

So you cannot see thru the sides of this tote at all? That's not a good plan, sorry- it means you'll have to open it every time you want to check on the snake- which is something you'll need & want to be doing fairly often. This set-up is very likely to stress your snake into not eating- even with the right temperatures. Snakes are shy, especially BPs- and they are MOST afraid when we approach them...this is instinctive on their part.

they are dimmable lights, and we might find a way to do 'surgery' on the tote and replace the sides with small plastic clear window things to make it easier to check on him. my dad is very good at DIY and might be able to figure something out.

I'll mostly stay out of this conversation, as I don't convert totes to use for snakes, but a tote you cannot see into from all angles without opening the top is just a big frustration waiting to happen & is less safe for your snake- considering how often you'll want to look in on your pet (& should). Not sure what these totes cost (or how tight your budget is?) but starting over with one that you can see through seems like the best plan to me. You could use this black tote for secure & temporary use, like when you need to clean his home. Just a thought...

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Originally Posted by bcr229

It will be cheaper and easier to use a tote like this than to try to retrofit lighting:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-25-Ga...Lid/1002612460

Note the four latches holding the lid, they will help prevent escapes.

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I agree...THIS is what you want ^ ^ ^ :gj:

Your black tote was great practice...now get the right thing as shown above.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I agree...THIS is what you want ^ ^ ^ :gj:

Your black tote was great practice...now get the right thing as shown above.

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Occasionally they go on sale for $6-7 apiece, and I stock up because they're just too useful.

Even at $20 they're a bargain.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Occasionally they go on sale for $6-7 apiece, and I stock up because they're just too useful.

Even at $20 they're a bargain.

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I’ve been using those exact tubs for years and they’re fantastic. I’ll happily keep paying $20 and it’s even better when they’re on sale


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I am going to join the chorus here and emphasize that a black tote isn't a good idea for either you or your snake. The opaque plastic totes like the one linked above are really the way to go. I use plastic totes for baby snakes and for some smaller juveniles while I wait for them to grow a bit and be transitioned into their adult PVC enclosures. Totes can be very nice for snakes, but they need to be properly set up.

Your dad may be concerned about fire danger when putting the heat mat under the tote, which is understandable. But a good heat mat that is regulated by a thermostat is safe, as you won't ever be setting the temperature over whatever is needed to create a warm spot of 90F in the enclosure...so your heat mat typically will never be set over 92-95 and that won't be an issue. It is a good idea to allow for a bit of air flow underneath, which you can set up by just putting the little sticky plastic or felt pads made to go under furniture legs on all four corners of the tote.

You CAN convert a tote to a front-opening enclosure with windows. A company called Specialty Enclosure Designs sells them, though others may as well. https://www.specialtyenclosuredesign...onversion+Kits. Photo below.

I have some concerns with what you are planning so far, and I don't mean at all to give you a hard time. I know you want the best for your snake, so I hope you will be patient with our suggestions and questions!
[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...conversion.jpg[/IMG]