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Use Tub or Buy Tank?

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  • 08-14-2017, 08:35 AM
    Axel28
    Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    I know I post dumb questions.

    But anyways, I was wonder, I bought a Sterilite Tub and it's 23 3/4"L x 16"W x 13 1/2"H. But i'm saving up to buy a tank. So, which should I use a tank or tub?

    I don't have a snake right now, but i'm really hoping to convince my dad to let me get one.(but it's not working out to well. lol)

    But advice would be appreciated! (On either subject. lol)
  • 08-14-2017, 09:38 AM
    PythonBabes
    I would have the OK to get the snake before buying any supplies. For all you know the answer is no and you're wasting your money.
  • 08-14-2017, 09:41 AM
    Zincubus
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Do plenty of reading / research - this forum is a great place to start - check through the old threads with appropriate thread titles .

    My vote goes to tanks or vivs ahead of plastic opaque rub tubs.
  • 08-14-2017, 09:48 AM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by PythonBabes View Post
    I would have the OK to get the snake before buying any supplies. For all you know the answer is no and you're wasting your money.

    He normally says yes but anyways I'm also trying to move out. Lol


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 09:49 AM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Zincubus View Post
    Do plenty of reading / research - this forum is a great place to start - check through the old threads with appropriate thread titles .

    My vote goes to tanks or vivs ahead of plastic opaque rub tubs.

    Okay thanks, I have done a lot of research. Lol


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 09:50 AM
    tttaylorrr
    IMO i'd get a tub first. they're very easy to maintain and will be more forgiving with dialing them in and maintenance. with this you'll be able to learn and understand proper husbandry.
    then once the snake gets bigger you can absolutely upgrade to a tank. the husbandry is a little trickier but by this time you should know husbandry well enough to get the job done. however if you want to go with the aesthetic of a glass enclosure then go for it, but be prepared for a little more difficult set-up.

    but going back to what @PythonBabes said: i'd get permission before buying anything. :)
  • 08-14-2017, 09:55 AM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tttaylorrr View Post
    IMO i'd get a tub first. they're very easy to maintain and will be more forgiving with dialing them in and maintenance. with this you'll be able to learn and understand proper husbandry.
    then once the snake gets bigger you can absolutely upgrade to a tank. the husbandry is a little trickier but by this time you should know husbandry well enough to get the job done. however if you want to go with the aesthetic of a glass enclosure then go for it, but be prepared for a little more difficult set-up.

    but going back to what @PythonBabes said: i'd get permission before buying anything. :)

    Thank you. :)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 01:17 PM
    RickyNY
    My vote goes to the tub :gj:
  • 08-14-2017, 02:13 PM
    danielwilu2525
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    I don't like tanks at all so I'd go with tubs but that's just me. All my snakes have been thriving in tubs.
  • 08-14-2017, 02:17 PM
    wolfy-hound
    Tub. It's so much easier to move it around and clean it, it's lighter weight and less breakable and easier to keep humidity in.

    I second(third? Fourth?) the idea that you should probably wait until either your father says 'yes' or until after you've moved out. Moving WITH a pet is always more stressful than doing it later on.
  • 08-14-2017, 02:40 PM
    Stewart_Reptiles
    You can do both, tub as a temporary setup that will help you provide proper husbandry as you are learning along and a tank as your final setup when your BP is bigger. (this will also save you money compare to buying several tanks since you really want your enclosure to grow along with your BP)

    And really ideally a PVC cage would be a lot better than a tank as your final enclosure.
  • 08-14-2017, 03:04 PM
    artgecko
    I totally agree with Deborah on this one. A tub will help you keep humidity up a lot more easily when your BP is young.. and tubs are easier / cheaper to upgrade as needed. Then, when your BP reaches adult size, you can invest in a nice pvc cage, which will look good and keep proper humidity.

    I use either stand alone tubs, racks, or pvc cages for all of mine.
  • 08-14-2017, 03:06 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by artgecko View Post
    I totally agree with Deborah on this one. A tub will help you keep humidity up a lot more easily when your BP is young.. and tubs are easier / cheaper to upgrade as needed. Then, when your BP reaches adult size, you can invest in a nice pvc cage, which will look good and keep proper humidity.

    I use either stand alone tubs, racks, or pvc cages for all of mine.

    So, is my tub big enough? And I know but I'm still gonna ask should I get a bigger one as the Bp grows?


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  • 08-14-2017, 03:24 PM
    tttaylorrr
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ZuesTheBallPython View Post
    So, is my tub big enough? And I know but I'm still gonna ask should I get a bigger one as the Bp grows?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    from the dimensions you gave the tub is 64 quarts, correct? that's a pretty big tub if you plan on getting a hatchling/juvenile. the tub i have set up now is 32 quarts and is for a hatchling.
  • 08-14-2017, 03:29 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tttaylorrr View Post
    from the dimensions you gave the tub is 64 quarts, correct? that's a pretty big tub if you plan on getting a hatchling/juvenile. the tub i have set up now is 32 quarts and is for a hatchling.

    Right. But I have another that's 24 quarts (I think) but that's to little, right?


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  • 08-14-2017, 03:31 PM
    tttaylorrr
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ZuesTheBallPython View Post
    Right. But I have another that's 24 quarts (I think) but that's to little, right?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    not too little at all, though it depends on the size of your water dish, hides and other accessories. if you have a hatchling that's being stubborn with eating a 6 quart tub is what's recommended for housing.
  • 08-14-2017, 03:36 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tttaylorrr View Post
    not too little at all, though it depends on the size of your water dish, hides and other accessories. if you have a hatchling that's being stubborn with eating a 6 quart tub is what's recommended for housing.

    Thank you this helps a lot! :D


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  • 08-14-2017, 03:42 PM
    Starscream
    I'm not voting, but from my month thus far with a tub, its really easy to maintain husbandry. My only regret is that getting clear photos from the side is a pain, since the tub is semi-oqaque. Like the others recommend, I'm probably going to upgrade to a PVC cage at some point.

    As for you tub size, I actually use a larger one for my 3-month-old and have had no problems. You just have to make sure your husbandry is on point throughout, which can be slightly more difficult in a larger environment. I just cluttered up the space with extra hides and fake plants.
  • 08-14-2017, 03:45 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Starscream View Post
    I'm not voting, but from my month thus far with a tub, its really easy to maintain husbandry. My only regret is that getting clear photos from the side is a pain, since the tub is semi-oqaque. Like the others recommend, I'm probably going to upgrade to a PVC cage at some point.

    As for you tub size, I actually use a larger one for my 3-month-old and have had no problems. You just have to make sure your husbandry is on point throughout, which can be slightly more difficult in a larger environment. I just cluttered up the space with extra hides and fake plants.

    Thanks for the information. :)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 03:49 PM
    Tila
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    I like tubs as well. Tried a tank, and it now houses my corn snake. The 52qt underbed style containers I use now for my ball pythons have a 36x16.8" footprint versus the 40B tank footprint of 36x18, so even my adult females look like they have plenty of stretching room and still thrive in appropriate temps and humidity.

    You could even use the tote for moving, and then when you are settled and prepared, convert the tub to reptile purposes. Waiting is hard!

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 03:53 PM
    Craiga 01453
    It really is up to what YOU want, what works best for YOU AND YOUR ANIMAL.

    There are pros and cons to each type of enclosure...

    Tubs = inexpensive, easy to maintain, BUT lack visual appeal

    Tanks = fairly priced, visually appealing BUT require more work to maintain

    PVC = easy to maintain, visually appealing BUT more expensive

    Tubs are the suggested starter enclosure for many reasons, but tanks can certainly work. I've maintained tanks for the duration of my snake keeping years and have had no problems. BUT...I'm willing to put in the time required to make sure they are properly maintained.

    That being said, I would LOVE to eventually switch to PVC as I get deeper into the hobby and grow my collection. For me, at least now and for the foreseeable future, my snakes are pets and I choose to maintain tanks for the visual appeal until I can afford to switch to PVC.

    Maybe someday if I decide to get into breeding I will use a rack system, but until then, my snakes are kept in display enclosures and always will be.

    If you're looking for ease and a great way to grow with the snake, a tub may be best. As your snake grows and you gain experience, you can get new tubs and eventually you may decide to get a "forever" enclosure. But, if you want to go with a tank it can certainly be done, people do it all the time. Just be prepared for some headaches and extra work.
  • 08-14-2017, 04:31 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tila View Post
    I like tubs as well. Tried a tank, and it now houses my corn snake. The 52qt underbed style containers I use now for my ball pythons have a 36x16.8" footprint versus the 40B tank footprint of 36x18, so even my adult females look like they have plenty of stretching room and still thrive in appropriate temps and humidity.

    You could even use the tote for moving, and then when you are settled and prepared, convert the tub to reptile purposes. Waiting is hard!

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

    Waiting is extremely hard and abit annoying also, I just want a Ball Python now, I've got the money to buy all the accessories and stuff but my dad just has to say yes. Lol My mom has already said yes, but she won't do it unless my dad says yes.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 04:36 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by craigafrechette View Post
    It really is up to what YOU want, what works best for YOU AND YOUR ANIMAL.

    There are pros and cons to each type of enclosure...

    Tubs = inexpensive, easy to maintain, BUT lack visual appeal

    Tanks = fairly priced, visually appealing BUT require more work to maintain

    PVC = easy to maintain, visually appealing BUT more expensive

    Tubs are the suggested starter enclosure for many reasons, but tanks can certainly work. I've maintained tanks for the duration of my snake keeping years and have had no problems. BUT...I'm willing to put in the time required to make sure they are properly maintained.

    That being said, I would LOVE to eventually switch to PVC as I get deeper into the hobby and grow my collection. For me, at least now and for the foreseeable future, my snakes are pets and I choose to maintain tanks for the visual appeal until I can afford to switch to PVC.

    Maybe someday if I decide to get into breeding I will use a rack system, but until then, my snakes are kept in display enclosures and always will be.

    If you're looking for ease and a great way to grow with the snake, a tub may be best. As your snake grows and you gain experience, you can get new tubs and eventually you may decide to get a "forever" enclosure. But, if you want to go with a tank it can certainly be done, people do it all the time. Just be prepared for some headaches and extra work.

    Thank you for the information. :)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • 08-14-2017, 05:59 PM
    Tsinjora
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    I use tubs. I used to have a tank for my banana male, but it didn't hold humidity or heat very well. If you WANT something with glass, I'd recommend a well built, water-resistant, wooden vivarium with glass doors. Otherwise, my vote is for sterilite tubs. They are easy to clean, maintain, and are not too expensive. :gj:
  • 08-14-2017, 06:25 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Thank you everyone but I think I'm gonna go with a tank cause I like to see my pets. I understand it'll be pretty difficult but I'll always try my best.


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  • 08-14-2017, 06:34 PM
    Tsinjora
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ZuesTheBallPython View Post
    Thank you everyone but I think I'm gonna go with a tank cause I like to see my pets. I understand it'll be pretty difficult but I'll always try my best.

    And that is your choice! Just make sure if you get a snake, that you put the animal's needs first. Aesthetics don't mean anything if the animal is unhealthy. :gj:
  • 08-14-2017, 06:38 PM
    Axel28
    Re: Use Tub or Buy Tank?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tsinjora View Post
    And that is your choice! Just make sure if you get a snake, that you put the animal's needs first. Aesthetics don't mean anything if the animal is unhealthy. :gj:

    Oh course! :) Thank you for your help!


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