Ball python plastic tub holes?

Hello,
I am trying to set up my 15qt plastic tub for my ball python that I will get in couple months.
I just wanted to test out the temperatures with full set up beforehand so I won't have to worry about it once I get the snake.
I have the soldering gun. I don't know how many holes are needed honestly. Do I need holes on the lid too? I feel like that is waste of heat and too much holes if I am going to put holes on the sides. However, how many holes are enough on the sides?
Also, any one have any suggestion for digital thermometer that also displays humidity? I am going to get a temp gun but I feel like I need one digital one to just always display humidity and temperature of the whole tub. I got thermostat and temp gun so hot spots shouldn't need one I believe.
Last question is, do I need two hides for warm and cooler side? Is it required? Thank you.

Hello and welcome! Nice work and wanting to get things dialed in for your new friend before they arrive :)!

I only put holes on the tub, none on the lid. As far as how many, I'm not entirely sure. Check out this thread if you haven't already ;)
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...e-Basics-*DUW*


You could look at accurite for a hygrometer (humidity monitor) and an accurite digital thermometer, at least that's what I use in my beep's tub ;). I had a faulty thermometer / hygrometer I got from Reptile Basics, so I'm a bit wary of them, though that's just my baggage. As for a heat gun, I purchased a temp gun from Klein Tools ($59.99 USD). It's a bit pricey, but the cheaper Ryobi temp gun I got was off in it's reading.

You do need two identical hides for your beep, one for the hot side and one for the cold side. They will choose security over proper thermoregulation, which could lead to some issues like refusal to eat or sickness.

If you haven't already, make sure to get a good thermostat! :) I found the most inexpensive thing I bought was the tub itself, LOL! I spent more on thermostat, temp gun, UTH and hides.

I went with my gut, and did one row of small solder iron holes all the way around the tub spaced about 2 inches apart. I kept the holes high up on the side of the tub, to keep airflow going, and avoid substrate getting in the holes.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...50dc10abf2.jpg


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you don't need as many holes as you think. for my 28qt bins, i have maybe 4 holes per side.

This is my quarantine tub for my GTP. I used a drill because well power tools are my jam and I put 8 holes on each end and 3 on the one side. I gives perfect ventilation and dries out a misting in a day. Yes the heating is sort of hillbilly engineering but it actually works (I have a heat mat on the top lid as radiant heating)

Edit: for temp and humidity, get this it is super accurate (the display is the thing on the left in the picture and you can see the bottom of the remote wireless probe in the middle of the image)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M252EWA



https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/VMx9wxy.jpg

I don’t recommend a drill, unless you are very careful. I used a drill the first time around and pushed a bit too hard and cracked the tub! Doh! I bought a soldering iron and it went literally a lot smoother.


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That's because you have plumbers hands and the the delicate hands of a lady :P

I suppose, I am accustomed to drilling wood and steel. Seriously though, everyone seems to recommend a soldering iron and it worked great, and made very smooth holes. Pretty cheap too.


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I fear soldering irons and am electronically inclined (repaired one of my computer monitors by resoldering in new capacitors) so to me a drill is less terrifying than a skin searing metal rod.

I worry about the fumes and gases that comes out of melting plastic O_O. Melting acrylic releases Formaldehyde particles and gas... melting ABS release styrene particles and gas. No XD!

You can put painters tape around where you're going to drill and it'll help prevent the plastic againt cracking.

Start with the least amount of holes you can, check humidity and add more if needed. Wal-Mart carries these accurites, just picked up 5 more at 8 bucks each. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14a8f7e3ea.jpg

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Quahog

I worry about the fumes and gases that comes out of melting plastic O_O. Melting acrylic releases Formaldehyde particles and gas... melting ABS release styrene particles and gas. No XD!

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as you should be! but being safe around those plastics is very easy once you practice proper safety!
IMPORTANT PSA: ONLY use a soldering iron on plastic in a WELL-VENTILATED area with a fan to push the fumes AWAY from you!!!

if you can smell plastic, you're doing it wrong!!!

i love you all. [emoji3]

Just do the plastic melting outside. Simple solution. Jeez


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I solder at least 10 holes total for a 15qt, and just add more as needed depending on how the humidity is turning out.

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Originally Posted by oodaT

Start with the least amount of holes you can, check humidity and add more if needed. Wal-Mart carries these accurites, just picked up 5 more at 8 bucks each. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...14a8f7e3ea.jpg

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Thanks for the Meter buying tip.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

Just do the plastic melting outside. Simple solution. Jeez


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the high today was 6° [emoji31]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

Just do the plastic melting outside. Simple solution. Jeez


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It's -40°C where some of us live! Screw outside.


In all seriousness though, I second what everyone else has said. Set it up with the accurate hydrometer, see what the humidity sits at with the holes you have and just add more as needed until you hit your desired humidity. :)

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

the high today was 6° [emoji31]

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.... -41 This morning. I'll trade you?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ashleigh91

.... -41 This morning. I'll trade you?

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no ty. [emoji4] LOL.