Question about building a tub

alright,so I'm going to build a tub for my python and i'm following the instructions i found here (unless anyone has a better one)

here is the link YouTube - How to build a snake tank


but my question is at the end of the video,he has a lamp over the tub, i thought with a tub only the UTH was necessary?

anyone feel like clarifying for me?


thanks much

-Tiny

It depends on what kind of animal you are keeping in the tub and what it's temp requirements are. Most tubs are usually 5-6 inches deep and you won't need a heat lamp...

well last I checked this is the forum for Ball Python husbandry right? well the tub is for a ball python...

The only time people really use overhead lights is when they cant keep the room temperature elevated for the species.

An under tank heater/flexwatt/what have you you, isnt going to do ANYTHING for the ambient temps in the enclosure.

Im doubting your room is heated since it seems to be your only snake correct?

Best bet would go with a TANK and using lights that way.

Each setup has its ups and downs, but thatd be your best bet.

she's in a tank right now,but im switching her to a tub...and no the room isn't kept heated,the room temp is about 78-79 right now

She's in a 75 gallon tank right now...YES I KNOW THIS IS VERY BIG FOR A FEMALE BALL, THE TANK WAS FREE THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT

but now back on topic...she's going from the tank to a tub...a 42 quart sterilite tub...and i know the only UTH to use is the 1-5 gallon zoo med reptitherm rh7 (thats safe for tubs)...

my question is will a heat lamp over it be necessary?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tiny_loves_Roxanne

she's in a tank right now,but im switching her to a tub...and no the room isn't kept heated,the room temp is about 78-79 right now

She's in a 75 gallon tank right now...YES I KNOW THIS IS VERY BIG FOR A FEMALE BALL, THE TANK WAS FREE THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT

but now back on topic...she's going from the tank to a tub...a 42 quart sterilite tub...and i know the only UTH to use is the 1-5 gallon zoo med reptitherm rh7 (thats safe for tubs)...

my question is will a heat lamp over it be necessary?

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You will need a larger uth than that! If controlled with thernostat or dimmer(which you need to have), any uth is safe with any tub! I would use a 10- 20 gallon size uth at minimum! If the room temps are 78-79 then you don't need any lights! I use the lights in winter time because my room temp is only 70!

well first of all...I don't know who that is...but that tub is too high and too short for a ball python. A typical tub depending on size for an adult is a 32qt long or a large female is 41 qt long. Hatchlings can go into a shoebox type tub.

Second of all he is NOT using a thermostat to regulate that UTH which is a huge no no. These can run up to 110-115 degrees which could kill a snake. Your temps on the warm side should be about 91-92. His info regarding the thermometer is correct...that is a good one to use and I like that he put the cord part on the outside as they can get tangled in that.

Thirdly.....if you have the uth being controlled by a thermostat you will not need a light as long as your ambient temps and the cool side temps stay about 80-82. Though Im confused if your room is not heated how it is 78-79 in PA. So just double check that. If they are not....and you are having trouble keeping your cool side in the low 80's I might suggest a space heater.

As for the moss....you need to be careful with it as it can hold too too much moisture and cause scale rot. A good substrate is Aspen....or you can use paper towels or newspaper. It is very clean and there are no issues of ingesting when feeding day comes. But that is just what I use. Typically if they are in a tub...especially where you live it will generate the humidity needed from the water bowl. Just drill 3 holes on each side....and two in the front to start with. If you see the humidity is too high still...drill more holes.

Also and I totally mean no disrespect at all...but you come across a little harsh with your comments. Let me tell you...everyone for the most part on here is really cool and just want to help. We never want to give anyone bad information so we always ask lots of questions just to make sure we know what you have and what you need.

I hope this helps you!! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by seeya205

You will need a larger uth than that! If controlled with thermostat or dimmer(which you need to have), any uth is safe with any tub! I would use a 10- 20 gallon size uth at minimum! If the room temps are 78-79 then you don't need any lights! I use the lights in winter time because my room temp is only 70!

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Ok...a bigg UTH long as a rheostat or dimmer is used...seeing as how the hot side for most pythons is supposed to be around 90-92F, that shouldnt melt or warp the tub right?

I want to do as much research as i can before i shell out the money and such

(also dont want a fire to start...that would be very bad)

No it will not start a fire. However I would suggest putting the bin up on two slats of wood. Reason is it should not just sit on the carpet or the floor or a piece of furniture. I hope that makes sense. It is good to get a little air under it. Just boost it up a bit from the floor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

No it will not start a fire. However I would suggest putting the bin up on two slats of wood. Reason is it should not just sit on the carpet or the floor or a piece of furniture. I hope that makes sense. It is good to get a little air under it. Just boost it up a bit from the floor.

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that I understand, the stand the tank is on now is made of steel and has a hollow top for air to get to the UTH i have on it

I was working on a wooden rest for the tub as well...


what would you suggest setting the rheostat/dimmer to, to keep the hot side from overheating and warping the plastic/melting it...

if the hot side hsould be 90 then setting it to 85-90F should be right, right?

Well the warm side should be like 90-92. It really depends on what substrate you are using and the temps in your house. I found that I kind of had to play with it.

For example I have two racks...one is set at 95.6 and the other is set at 96.7....inside the rack my bins are a perfect 91-92 on the hot side. So I would suggest setting it up...and then keep checking and adjust as needed to get the perfect temp.

I can tell you the best investment I ever made was a temp gun. You just shoot the area you want to know the temp of and it will give you the high end and the overall temp of where you are shooting. I picked mine up at reptilebasics.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

well first of all...I don't know who that is...but that tub is too high and too short for a ball python. A typical tub depending on size for an adult is a 32qt long or a large female is 41 qt long. Hatchlings can go into a shoebox type tub.

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I don't know who that person is either,I just liked his method the best. I have a 41 qt rubbermaid, that is about 3 feet long and a foot wide and roughly a foot tall

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

Second of all he is NOT using a thermostat to regulate that UTH which is a huge no no. These can run up to 110-115 degrees which could kill a snake. Your temps on the warm side should be about 91-92. His info regarding the thermometer is correct...that is a good one to use and I like that he put the cord part on the outside as they can get tangled in that.

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Yes, I've read about this,thank you for the reminder :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

Thirdly.....if you have the uth being controlled by a thermostat you will not need a light as long as your ambient temps and the cool side temps stay about 80-82. Though Im confused if your room is not heated how it is 78-79 in PA. So just double check that. If they are not....and you are having trouble keeping your cool side in the low 80's I might suggest a space heater.

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I'm in Philadelphia, in a one bedroom apartment,and the thermostat in my room reads 79-80, the heat is turned off,my windows are closed,the weather has been fair lately

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

As for the moss....you need to be careful with it as it can hold too too much moisture and cause scale rot. A good substrate is Aspen....or you can use paper towels or newspaper. It is very clean and there are no issues of ingesting when feeding day comes. But that is just what I use. Typically if they are in a tub...especially where you live it will generate the humidity needed from the water bowl. Just drill 3 holes on each side....and two in the front to start with. If you see the humidity is too high still...drill more holes.

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I use coco husk/eco earth and sphagnum moss to keep the humidity up in such a large tank, i mist constantly, i took her to the vet the other day shes scale rot free

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

Also and I totally mean no disrespect at all...but you come across a little harsh with your comments. Let me tell you...everyone for the most part on here is really cool and just want to help. We never want to give anyone bad information so we always ask lots of questions just to make sure we know what you have and what you need.

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I wasn't trying to be harsh, the use of capital letters was for the reader to make note of, not to be used as if i'm shouting it at you ; I thank everyone who's ever answered my topics and has helped me in my taking care of my ball, it makes me feel more calm that so many people own so many snakes and know through experience of what to do,once again,thank you all

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BPelizabeth

I hope this helps you!! :)

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it has, thank you much :D

Anytime you need help just let me know!! Good luck!! ;)

Quote: I don't know who that person is either,I just liked his method the best. I have a 41 qt rubbermaid, that is about 3 feet long and a foot wide and roughly a foot tall

This should be only 6 inches tall and about 29X18 inches! You need to get the under the bed 41 quart tub! This sounds like the tall syle 41 quart!

Honestly, this guy is making a tub setup seem VERY complicated. Setting up a tub for a ball python is very very easy.

http://bp.kaorte.com/tubsetup.htm

This is my little guide on how to setup a snake tub. I would highly recommend getting a thermostat right off the bat, and not a rheostat.