Switch to tub from tank questions

Hey all! I am new to this forum even though I've been using it as a resource for a while now. Just wanted to thank everyone for all their input. This site is definitely the best when it comes to ball python info. I have recently changed from a large terrarium to a 50qt tub because I was having husbandry issues and decided it was the best for my Pastel ball Monty. I have a few questions regarding the tub.
1) The tub seems very cramped. I've read a lot on here that is the prefered environment for balls but I can literally fit his hide, a skull(for shedding) and plant decoration and a large water bowl. (I use a large water bowl to keep him from turning it over). Should there be more room for him to hang out on the cooler side? I have a uth on a thermostat and have found a comfortable temperature for him on his basking side which the only hide is located. He is two years old.
2) I have switched to newspaper bedding from cypress mulch due to humidity issues and have finally got it down to the norm. He hasn't eaten for nearly two months and I know this isn't a major concern but I would like to try to feed him now that the husbandry issues have been corrected. (The main reason I switched from tank to tub). How long should I wait before offering?

Are you using a tall 50 or a long one?
41q sterilte is more than enough floor space.

The home depot and lowes by my house didn't have sterilite so I picked a different one. The tub is about 2 feet long, 1 foot high and 1 foot wide

Yeah that a tall 50. Doesn't need that height.

I'd scrap the skull thing and put another hide in there. If it's not in a rack, the snake will benefit from having two hides, on the hot and cool sides. with your water bowl, humidity should be no problem. You may even need to make some holes in the tub to let out some humidity. If the humidity is correct, the snake won't need the skull to shed.

Once the temps and humidity are in check, i'd start offereing food again.

I have a bit taller space on my tubs mostly so I can offer branches for climbing. Do they need it? Popular convention says no. Do they utilize it any way? Yes, absolutely, and I figure if they want to make use of more space, I should offer them the choice. The trick for ball pythons is that they want to feel secure. more room isn't bad, but you don't want a ton of open space. Offer more hides, branches, logs, etc, anything that clutters up the enclosure and gives the snake the opportunity to move form one side of the enclosure to the other without being seen. In the wild they are a prey species, and being out in the open is bad news, so fill the space with more stuff.

I just went out and got a better size for him. I mainly put the skull in there as another tool for him to shed but I'll get another hide and see how much room I have. Thanks for all the help guys!

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I have a bit taller space on my tubs mostly so I can offer branches for climbing. Do they need it? Popular convention says no. Do they utilize it any way? Yes, absolutely, and I figure if they want to make use of more space, I should offer them the choice. The trick for ball pythons is that they want to feel secure. more room isn't bad, but you don't want a ton of open space. Offer more hides, branches, logs, etc, anything that clutters up the enclosure and gives the snake the opportunity to move form one side of the enclosure to the other without being seen. In the wild they are a prey species, and being out in the open is bad news, so fill the space with more stuff.

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Great take on the subject !

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Great take on the subject !

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I'm thinking I'm going to end up keeping my adult females in AP T8s; same height, slightly more width and a lot more length. For males and sub adult females though, I'm building custom racks with these 110 qt tubs. Same footprint as the standard 41 qt with about double the head room for "stuff". Less efficient space wise than what's conventional, but I'll sacrifice space for snakes with a more enriched environment.

As for finding tubs that work, I think Target has better selection for sterilite than Home Depot. HD usually carries rubbermaid, and their equivalent for the 41 qt is the clever store #3Q30. I'm having trouble finding one that's got the same dimensions as the 110 sterilite though. Maybe the 95 qt rubbermaid roughneck?

I just bought some tubs this afternoon for the Dollar store (I think the one I shop at is Dollar General). 6 quart "shoebox" and a 16 quart "sweater." I choose Sterilite because they don't smell as much new as all the others. One of the kingsnakes hasn't eaten for a long time, so I'm switching to plain paper towel, two hides and a water dish. He is SO tiny, he is in the 6 quart, but I've got the 16 quart if I decide to bump him up. I figure it is a "hospital" tub until he decides to eat.

NOT how I wanted to keep this guy, but, for what ever reason, he wasn't doing well in the tank. Temps were good, and he had a humid hide; I just don't know. VMS herp site (they sell mostly corn snakes and kings) said that sometimes young snakes just seem to prefer the security of a smaller space.

Sigh.
We'll see.

Cron 14, good luck with your BP.

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

I'm thinking I'm going to end up keeping my adult females in AP T8s; same height, slightly more width and a lot more length. For males and sub adult females though, I'm building custom racks with these 110 qt tubs. Same footprint as the standard 41 qt with about double the head room for "stuff". Less efficient space wise than what's conventional, but I'll sacrifice space for snakes with a more enriched environment.

As for finding tubs that work, I think Target has better selection for sterilite than Home Depot. HD usually carries rubbermaid, and their equivalent for the 41 qt is the clever store #3Q30. I'm having trouble finding one that's got the same dimensions as the 110 sterilite though. Maybe the 95 qt rubbermaid roughneck?

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Lizard, I really like your take on the dimensions of the tub. :gj: I think they can still thrive in something bigger so long as there is enough "clutter" to make them feel safe. I moved him into something a little smaller for now in hopes of getting him to feed again and putting some size on. He also likes to climb a little so he'll have to do without that for now.

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Originally Posted by distaff

I just bought some tubs this afternoon for the Dollar store (I think the one I shop at is Dollar General). 6 quart "shoebox" and a 16 quart "sweater." I choose Sterilite because they don't smell as much new as all the others. One of the kingsnakes hasn't eaten for a long time, so I'm switching to plain paper towel, two hides and a water dish. He is SO tiny, he is in the 6 quart, but I've got the 16 quart if I decide to bump him up. I figure it is a "hospital" tub until he decides to eat.

NOT how I wanted to keep this guy, but, for what ever reason, he wasn't doing well in the tank. Temps were good, and he had a humid hide; I just don't know. VMS herp site (they sell mostly corn snakes and kings) said that sometimes young snakes just seem to prefer the security of a smaller space.

Sigh.
We'll see.

Cron 14, good luck with your BP.

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Distaff, I'm sorry to hear that. I wish I could help with some advice for your king snake but I honestly don't know much about them. The tub isn't exactly how I wanted to keep Monty either but in the end ensuring they are comfortable and healthy are the most important things. Good luck with your King!

Just wanted to give an update. After two longs months, Monty finally ate today! If you have a tank and are having trouble keeping the necessary temps/humidity, I strongly suggest switching to a tub. It may not look as nice, trust me I spent a lot of money on decorations, heating etc., but its the best for your ball and thats what matter most. Thanks for all the input guys!