Switching to a Tub

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Originally Posted by Chase13

Easier to control temps, and by far easier to control humidity IMO. Plus its easier to clean :D

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Thanks, and I get those things. Those are all reasons that tubs are better for *us* but my question was more about what the snake would prefer, if all husbandry things are equal (whether or not it takes more effort with a tank). BP more relaxed and or secure in a tub, or tank, or doesn't it matter?

They like tight confined spaces so a tub is ideal for them. A tub in itself is a bit like a hide to snakes.

From what I have been reading on here, and I could be way off, but as long as they have their hides and their temps and humidity are right, the snake will be happy. I know a tub will make me happy. Easy to clean, easy to keep humid. NO MORE SPRAYING 5 TIMES A DAY!!!

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Originally Posted by UWStoutNinja

From what I have been reading on here, and I could be way off, but as long as they have their hides and their temps and humidity are right, the snake will be happy. I know a tub will make me happy. Easy to clean, easy to keep humid. NO MORE SPRAYING 5 TIMES A DAY!!!

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It just adds more security.

I believe that tubs provide more security than tanks, although tanks set up like our Cassandra has (see sticky in the husbandry forum) also work well.


In my own personal experience, I had my first ball python set up in a tank, and he fasted for eight months, and once switched to a tub, resumed eating and hasn't fasted this winter. It's a lower ceiling, that more closely mimics a burrow effect, and it's more opaque than clear, which also provides a little more security.

My second example is an adult female that was surrendered to my local pet store because the owner was frustrated that she was such a picky eater, and he kept her in a glass viv.

I set her up in a tub, let her acclimate for three weeks (she had plenty of body mass) and then offered her a small rat and she pounded rats for me every week, with no feeding issues. She now resides in another person's collection who uses tubs and continues to thrive in that type of set-up.

These two examples in my personal collection were enough to convince me to use tanks for geckos and tubs for my ball pythons! :D

That's the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks to you all for the help. I'm going to set up a tub, and use my 40G tank for oh, I don't know. Any ideas? :D

I have another question. What is the best way to apply the flexwatt? Where should I put it and how should I put it on? Thanks!

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Originally Posted by racerjay

That's the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks to you all for the help. I'm going to set up a tub, and use my 40G tank for oh, I don't know. Any ideas? :D

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Crested geckos! You know you want some! :D

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Originally Posted by UWStoutNinja

I have another question. What is the best way to apply the flexwatt? Where should I put it and how should I put it on? Thanks!

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Have you already purchased your flexwatt? I know that Rich at Reptile Basics sells aluminum tape that you can use to attach it to the tub. Or, you can purchase some at Home Depot in the plumbing department - it's aluminum plumbing tape, and it's preferred, because the glue doesn't get "tacky" with the heat. I first tape the probe of my thermostat (I use Ranco with my free tubs, and Helix with my rack) to the bottom of the tub. Then I tape the flexwatt over that. Hope that helps!

Are you talking about the inside bottom of the tub or the outside. Sorry, I don't want to do something stupid here. I already bought some 4" flexwatt from reptilebasics. It should be here tomorrow, and then I am almost ready to give Mitch his new home!!