Plastic tubs and heat

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Originally Posted by heatherhead42

It's just kind of funny. Well, and sad, when it's folks looking for "free" snakes. As though a pet is ever free.

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Very true. And enclosures are expensive even going with a basic aquarium enclosure, much less a rack and a thermostat.

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And if we get more snakes at some point, we'll already be set up on the thermostat (it can also be used to regulate more than one set of heat tape, right?).

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Not that it matters right now, but there are other considerations if you wanted to attach a second enclosure to the t-stat. Wattage, as already mentioned, but also the t-stat has a maximum wattage that it can control and the combined wattage of the heat tape must be in this range (talking several feet). Also the temperatures of each cage and the placement/wattage of the heat tape must be identical from one enclosure to the next, because the Helix has only one probe to measure temp, and if the second cage was warmer, for example: in direct sun, the heat tape would still be adjusted to the cooler temp of the first cage (with the probe) in the shade, and make the second cage much too hot. Hope that makes sense. Be happy you don't have to worry about it right now!

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I know the enclosure doesn't need to be that high, but yes it is what we have already, and for a variety of other reasons, we prefer the height, so we're going to try to make it work.

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There is an argument that can be made for a higher tub- the 6" tall ones do not allow any climbing room, and although balls are not arboreal, they will explore their cages at times and will use any "furniture" available. Some people believe that a larger area with a textured substrate (ie. aspen vs. newspaper) is better for the snake's muscle tone and fitness, and prevent an overweight snake. Not a common issue, but good info IMHO. I like to put branches in for my balls to climb, if I have the space. I am considering a 9" tall tub for my next rack. So don't feel pressured to change tub dimensions as long as you can still get the temps correct.

Sorry that was so long, kudos for taking such good care of your pet's needs!

Thank you SO much for the information on the taller tub. I personally like the look of the higher tub, and I also like to provide lots of "enrichment" for my pets. It's nice to know that Sammy might enjoy climbing, as I think we'll happily provide those opportunities.

I really do think we'll be okay on temps and humidity once we have the thermostat and heat tape and can get rid of the CHE. I think the CHE is our main problem right now. I've actually managed to get the humidity to stay fairly reliably above 40 now. So even without the fancy equipment, we're getting it close to right. Still, I can't wait to have it all together--I think it will make our lives easier and Sammy's more comfortable.

Thanks so much for all the support and information. :)

Heather

Oh, and yes, I'm glad we don't have to worry about additional cages yet! :P The guy we got Sammy from offered a discount on a second snake, and boy am I glad we said no! I would love to have my own snake (so I don't have to always borrow Carey's :P), but I think we'll wait until we have this thing seriously worked out and really know what we're doing. And then, we'll set up the environment and get it perfect BEFORE bringing the snake home.

Live and learn. :D

i know this is an older thread, but i found it EXTREMELY useful as i am in the process of swtiching over to a tub setup and this answered every question i could think of (along with the DIY tub-setup thread).

thought maybe reviving this thread will help out other newbie BP owners like me :gj: