Sterilite plastic tubs/containers?

Does any one use these successfully to house their ball pythons?
I've seen some that do, but are there any issues with these? I'm not talking about a rack with tubs (even though it's kind of the same thing?) I'm wondering if a tub with a locking top works. I need more room and and switching from glass tanks to something else. Just wondering if there is an issue with heat or anything else! Thanks! =]

Im hoping that someone can answer this one too. I was wondering the same thing.

Tubs work great for keeping in heat and humidity. Many people switch because of that reason. And it is great for security for your ball python, and is much easy to move and clean.

You just need a thermostat. :)

I'm just worried that if I used a heating pad on the underside it could melt the plastic? Maybe it wouldn't but I would just like to make sure before I buy some. Everything else looks great about them. Especially how cheap they are hah

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

I'm just worried that if I used a heating pad on the underside it could melt the plastic? Maybe it wouldn't but I would just like to make sure before I buy some. Everything else looks great about them. Especially how cheap they are hah

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That's why you get a thermostat, so the temperature doesn't spike too high, and melt the plastic.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

I'm just worried that if I used a heating pad on the underside it could melt the plastic? Maybe it wouldn't but I would just like to make sure before I buy some. Everything else looks great about them. Especially how cheap they are hah

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I believe if you search the threads you should be able to find pics of people's setups. As long as you have a thermostat with a probe, you shouldn't have to worry about melting the tub.

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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Here is a link to someone else's setup. I have a rack, but yes you put the probe on the heating pad.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ht=plastic+tub

That link helps thanks :) I will for sure do a lot of research before I make the switch.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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Here are a few different thermostats.

http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000...4Pa38Ta3aKc310

http://www.boaphileplastics.com/thermostat.html

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/

I have the Herpstat ND from Spyder Robotics for my racks.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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Thermostats can be pricey. This thermostat is a very good deal and it's also reliable. The heat mat plugs right into the thermostat, and the thermostat plugs into the wall. Don't worry about asking dumb questions, the more questions you ask the more knowledge you gain. We WANT you to ask these questions, so we can help you care for your pet the way the need to be taken care of.

I use the 40qt Sterilite tubs with the grey handles that lock instead of just latching. I've never had an escapee, but I have had one escape from the tubs with the green latches. SO if you decide on a green latch tub, be sure you use some kind of device for security.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Ohkay this might sound like a stupid question but does the thermostat attach to the heating pad? or is it a whole different thing? Are they more pricey? Sorry if these are dumb questions :P

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The Tstat will have have at least 1 "female" outlet to plug the heating device into. You can get a non-proportional Tstat which just turns the power on or off according to the temperature you have it set at. Those are cheaper than proportional Tstats, which controls the amount of power given to a device instead of turning it on and off.

An example of Non-Proportional:
http://www.herpsupplies.com/product....0&id=SZMRT500R

An example of Proportional:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/johnson...pre-wired.html

Not saying those are the ones to buy, that kind of gives you a ball park range of prices between proportional and non-proportional. I chose a Herpstat, which is proportional, and I love it. My heat pad reached a maximum of 114* before I got my Tstat. Now, it stays at constant temperatures from 90.7*-91*. :)

A lot of good ideas in here.

You can get an Acu-rite thermometer, and a table lamp dimmer. I got both of mine at Lowes and walked out for under $20. You plug the heating pad into the table lamp dimmer, and then using the Acu-rite thermometer probe attached to the heat pad, you can adjust your dimmer to be hotter or colder for the pad. I'll post pictures tonight, I have it in my glass tank, but still the same idea.

The tubs should have no problem keeping 92 degree temps at the pad, and you shouldn't have to worry about the plastic melting.

I successfully kept 8 young adult BP's in Iris brand tubs with locking lids for many months, and I still have 6 in them now.

Tubs are excellent for humidity, my balls all shed perfect. They are light and easy to clean. and as long as you use a thermostat, you won't need to worry about melting. Believe me, if your heat source is hot enough to melt the tub, that's going to be the least of your worries.

Granted, they aren't as clear as glass, but I can still see my babies just fine to know when they are hungry, or exploring, or making a mess. :P

I kept mine on one of those large, extra heavy duty wire shelving units I got from Lowe's. And they did just fine. In fact, when I moved them into their lovingly built rack, everyone stopped eating in protest! Little buggers. So I say, go for it!

Gale

Think about it this way - if the heat pad gets hot enough to melt the plastic, then it's hot enough to kill your snake. It must be on a thermostat.

I have two identical desks, one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Both have three Sterilite tubs on them, set up like this:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...Tub/Setup3.jpg

I've even bred and had clutches laid in these set-ups.

Thanks for all the awesome feedback everyone :D
I bought some tubs today and have a couple more questions.. So
is it better to drill holes or use a different method?
And if i do drill holes will i have to make sure to sand off the rough edges?
Also if i have multiple tubs will i need multiple thermostats? Or just one?
If anyone could show me a picture of their thermostat plugged into the wall that'd be great!

You can use the same thermostat if all the heat pads are the same size and wattage. Plug the heat pads into a power strip or surge protector. Then plug the power strip into the thermostat. The thermostat will control power to anything plugged into the power strip. Pretty easy to do.

When you bought the tubs you needed to pick up a soldering pen to make holes, they are under $10, I got mine for $5 at Harbor Freight.

I use the sterilite gray handle locking tubs and the sterilite green locking tubs and have for over two years and no escapes in either.
I start with 6 holes per side and 4 per end and add more holes if needed.

Or if you have the drill bits, save the money and use them. Just dont push hard with the drill or the plastic can crack. Its not a big deal if it does though.

Alright I used the drill on one of the tubs and no cracks! Is it ohkay to sand the edges though? They aren't too rough but I would worry... What would you recommend for substrate?

Its fine to sand the holes a little. Smoother the better for the snake. I use Aspen but will probably switch over to paper towls or newspaper.

I had to sand the holes on my tubs. Not all were rough, but enough were that I just took a few quick swipes over the holes with sand paper. It has a slightly more opaque area where I sanded but I can see the snakes just fine. We are using newspaper for our substrate right now.
Are paper towels being recommended because they absorb better? If so I might have to switch over. :)

I still haven't decided what to use for substrate.. i've always liked using aspen (feels more natural?)

So is there a thermostat that i can plug multiple heat mats into? i will have four tubs so four heat mats, Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

I still haven't decided what to use for substrate.. i've always liked using aspen (feels more natural?)

So is there a thermostat that i can plug multiple heat mats into? i will have four tubs so four heat mats, Thanks!

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The use the blue scott paper towels , IMO theyre more absorbent than reg paper towels or unprinted newspaper. I dislike any type of loose substrate.

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

So is there a thermostat that i can plug multiple heat mats into? i will have four tubs so four heat mats, Thanks!

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Plug in matts or flexwatt?
I wire flexwatt wired up inline and use 1 plugin.
With each matt having it's own plu get a 6 plug in strip and plug it into the t-stat and plug all of the matts into it.
Tape the t-stat probe against one of the pads and a thermometer probe inside the tub over the hot spot and turn up the heat till your hot spot is 90-92 degrees.

i think i might have to switch my substrate of choice! Is there any problem with paper towel?

And I think I'll be going with heat mats, so ill buy a thermostat like this...
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

then get a power strip and then what? sorry if you have to dumb this down im trying to picture it in my head and its not working.

4 heat matts like a zoo-med large pads= $80 + ship

http://www.amazon.com/ReptiTherm%C2%...ref=pd_sim_k_4

4 pieces of flexwatt = $15 + ship
http://store.beanfarm.com/product_in...oducts_id=5569

IMO heat matts are a waste of $$

I can't vouch for that cheap t-stat, I use repti-temp 500R's and johnson controls A419 and Herpstats.

I currently have 4 snakes housed in stand alone tubs. I use aspen for substrate, mainly because it allows me to spot clean, as opposed to completely changing out substrate every time they pee. But that is just me. I would suggest using something like binder clips, luggage straps or bungee cord to help keep the lid secure in the center. That way your snake can't force the lid up near the center and escape through the gap. I am also using a Herpstat Pro thermostat, mainly because once my snakes outgrow their tubs, they will be moved into their permanent BoaMaster enclosures...

How do you use the flexwatt? I noticed it's much cheaper, but you need a clip and a cord also? I don't really understand that. Now I understand the whole mat thing, but they are quite expensive compared to the flexwatt.

Flexwatt comes with pretty simple instructions on how to wire them all together.
Heat pads by zoo-med and other pre-made heat pads are a total waste of money IMO

Order the flexwatt and get some wire from the hardware store and if you have issues with wiring it together there is many people on here with plenty of experience that I've no doubt would be happy to help you, including myself.

Alright thanks! I think I'll have to go with the flexwatt but I will need help figuring out how to wire it together

i saw that these cords you can order serperately..
is this cheaper if I go to a hardware store? or order online?
And how do you attach the wire and then keep the flexwatt on the bottom on the tank, is it sticky on one side?

sorry for so many question, I just want to get this right and do it well.

If anyone has a picture of the bottom of their tank, that would be great :D
Thanks!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Alright thanks! I think I'll have to go with the flexwatt but I will need help figuring out how to wire it together

i saw that these cords you can order serperately..
is this cheaper if I go to a hardware store? or order online?
And how do you attach the wire and then keep the flexwatt on the bottom on the tank, is it sticky on one side?

sorry for so many question, I just want to get this right and do it well.

If anyone has a picture of the bottom of their tank, that would be great :D
Thanks!!

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cords cost nothing, like 2-3 bucks, if they cost more online, then go to the store.

but you need to solder it onto the flexwatt, if you don't know how to solder, you can your order your flexwatt from helix, they can solder it for you, since they refuse to use those clips, http://www.helixcontrols.com/FlexWatts.htm, those clips they sell with the flexwatt are crap imo also, its not even a proper crimp.

most people tape the flexwatt down with some sort of foil tape, I always use duct tape and don't understand why people use foil tape lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Carlene16

Alright thanks! I think I'll have to go with the flexwatt but I will need help figuring out how to wire it together

i saw that these cords you can order serperately..
is this cheaper if I go to a hardware store? or order online?
And how do you attach the wire and then keep the flexwatt on the bottom on the tank, is it sticky on one side?

sorry for so many question, I just want to get this right and do it well.

If anyone has a picture of the bottom of their tank, that would be great :D
Thanks!!

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You can also order it pre-wired from http://www.reptilebasics.com

Hey guys, Sorry if this has been asked but I didnt really want to look through the entire thread

What should I use to make the holes if I dont have a soldering thingy-mabobber?

Thanks!

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Originally Posted by MikeV

Hey guys, Sorry if this has been asked but I didnt really want to look through the entire thread

What should I use to make the holes if I dont have a soldering thingy-mabobber?

Thanks!

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lighter + screw driver, or any sort of heat + metal pointy object.

or a drill, that what I do... way faster.

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

lighter + screw driver, or any sort of heat + metal pointy object.

or a drill, that what I do... way faster.

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Thanks, drill it is