Setting up a tub/UTH questions

Hi guys, I have a new acquisition on the way. Should be here in around the month. Not gonna tell anyone right now, gonna have to be a surprise when I get it.

I'm setting up a 28qt tub for the new animal, for quarantine time+. Should probably last around 3-6 months before it needs to be moved to a larger enclosure, just want to keep the animal feeling secure until it gets a bit older.

I have experience setting up quarantine tubs for BP's, in this case it is for an animal that will be a bit more active and I wanted to ask some opinions for the setup.

I'm going to use just a UTH on the bottom of the tub (thermostat probe sandwiched between) and a space heater in the qt area to bring up ambients.

My main question is, what is your preferred brand of uth for a tub setup? I usually would go with the zoo-med ones but just curious what people trust to be the best at that smaller size. I don't want to wire my own heat tape.

Also, if anyone has some good hacks or cool ideas for setting up a tub please feel free to share here.

Thanks guys, can't wait to share when I get the new addition!!!



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Might help to give info on the species. Sounds like it is not a BP from your post, but I'm not sure what it is.

I like the ultratherm heat mats (Reptile Basics sells them) or you could get heat tape that they wire for you from them as well which is just as easy to use as a heat mat. In my experience, the zoomed heat mats heat fairly unevenly. Not unusable, but annoying to find and test the hot spots of the mat to keep it all in a safe range.

If the species is small or good at escaping, I prefer these gasket tubs. Plenty of size for juvies of most species through a QT period and extremely secure. I'm sure you have a tub already since you state the size, but a consideration if it is a pretty small snake if the lid isn't extremely secure. I've had poor luck with adding binder clips or luggage straps to secure long sides of tubs with small snakes. There are various sizes in this style, but this is a good size for most things. https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-3...XDtUAaQWJgS6Bf

When working with tubs, I like to tape the UTH to the table (My QT table is just a particle board surface on a table we built at one point), then tape the thermostat probe to that on the cord right before the probe tip, then just set the tub over it. This lets me fully remove the tub for thorough washing without worry about probes or electrical.

It does end up with a slight air gap above the UTH below the tub, but that air gap is supposed to be good for UTH anyway, it gives space for the probe when you use tubs that have the feet like the gasket sterilite tubs I linked, and it doesn't need to be set much higher on the thermostat than when it is pressed against the bottom of a tub. 1-2 degrees is what I see for mine, though it may need more if there is a draft or A/C vent blowing along where the tub is placed. It also eliminates the odd bump that you usually get by sandwiching a probe and taping the heat mat to the enclosure itself.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

Might help to give info on the species. Sounds like it is not a BP from your post, but I'm not sure what it is.

I like the ultratherm heat mats (Reptile Basics sells them) or you could get heat tape that they wire for you from them as well which is just as easy to use as a heat mat. In my experience, the zoomed heat mats heat fairly unevenly. Not unusable, but annoying to find and test the hot spots of the mat to keep it all in a safe range.

If the species is small or good at escaping, I prefer these gasket tubs. Plenty of size for juvies of most species through a QT period and extremely secure. I'm sure you have a tub already since you state the size, but a consideration if it is a pretty small snake if the lid isn't extremely secure. I've had poor luck with adding binder clips or luggage straps to secure long sides of tubs with small snakes. There are various sizes in this style, but this is a good size for most things. https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-3...XDtUAaQWJgS6Bf

When working with tubs, I like to tape the UTH to the table (My QT table is just a particle board surface on a table we built at one point), then tape the thermostat probe to that on the cord right before the probe tip, then just set the tub over it. This lets me fully remove the tub for thorough washing without worry about probes or electrical.

It does end up with a slight air gap above the UTH below the tub, but that air gap is supposed to be good for UTH anyway, it gives space for the probe when you use tubs that have the feet like the gasket sterilite tubs I linked, and it doesn't need to be set much higher on the thermostat than when it is pressed against the bottom of a tub. 1-2 degrees is what I see for mine, though it may need more if there is a draft or A/C vent blowing along where the tub is placed. It also eliminates the odd bump that you usually get by sandwiching a probe and taping the heat mat to the enclosure itself.

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Great response, was actually thinking ultratherm that's probably where I'll go. I have one of the Ziploc gasket tubs on order already lol. Thanks!

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I like the flukers small heat pads for small tub too. they are 6 inches wide.

Any good ideas on something that can give a climbing opportunity with just 7" of height?

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wait! a 28quart tub can't house a Newfie! ;)

i still have my original ZooMeds UTH on my original enclosures - 2 glass tanks. they've worked fine in my experience. Ultraterms are better tho. the only thing i don't like about them really is how their connectors are connected to the heating element.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ucts/11x11.jpg


^ see that plastic thingy. it creates a lump.


i also agree w/ not taping them to the tub but to a separate surface. it makes it sooo much better to clean.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Any good ideas on something that can give a climbing opportunity with just 7" of height?

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not much. the top of a hide?


Edit: or better yet, a sky hide!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

wait! a 28quart tub can't house a Newfie! ;)

i still have my original ZooMeds UTH on my original enclosures - 2 glass tanks. they've worked fine in my experience. Ultraterms are better tho. the only thing i don't like about them really is how their connectors are connected to the heating element.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ucts/11x11.jpg


^ see that plastic thingy. it creates a lump.


i also agree w/ not taping them to the tub but to a separate surface. it makes it sooo much better to clean.


not much. the top of a hide?


Edit: or better yet, a sky hide!

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Lol I am gonna be ordering a sky hide with this RBI order to go into the Vision that this new animal will end up in after this tub.

Hahaha good memory with the Newfie :)

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Gonna pick up a melamine board at home depot, use an 11"x11" ultratherm and tape it to the board, tape probe to Ultratherm, use 2 medium RBI hide boxes (one on each side) and a water bowl, and I think that about cuts it. Does that sound about right for a qt setup?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Gonna pick up a melamine board at home depot, use an 11"x11" ultratherm and tape it to the board, tape probe to Ultratherm, use 2 medium RBI hide boxes (one on each side) and a water bowl, and I think that about cuts it. Does that sound about right for a qt setup?

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i also like to use paper substrate for QT rigs for monitoring mites/bugs and wierd poops and stuff. sounds like your buying from a good breeder but i always prep or be ready w/ supplies and stuff for nasty bugs. lastly have appropriate food sizes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ax01

i also like to use paper substrate for QT rigs for monitoring mites/bugs and wierd poops and stuff. sounds like your buying from a good breeder but i always prep or be ready w/ supplies and stuff for nasty bugs. lastly have appropriate food sizes.

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Done, done, and done :)

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Sound like a solid plan.

As for ideas for climbing, if you want stuff to climb on/around, you might find some small cork bark pieces you can put in any open space. Flatter ones can be climbed on or around. They can be baked or cleaned/sanitized with a bleach soak then water soak as needed, but may be best not to add until you are sure you're mite-free.

Or you can get some PVC pipe, some elbows or tees and end caps and build your own short climbing structure. PVC is pretty easy to sanitize with bleach or other disinfectants for QT.

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I use a zoo med UTH on a tub. Where to even start...

first of all you'll need to tape the heat mat to the tub b/c it won't stick. Second, I'm not sure how you will be able to get even temps if you are sandwiching a probe between the UTH and the tub (in fact, you won't get even temps). Even if the UTH is completely flat against the bottom of the tub, you will still experience hot spots with the Zoo Med UTH.

My advice. Get a thermostat, set it up and run it for 48 hours. Then check temps across the entire surface area of the UTH the second the Thermostat kicks off (some spots will be hotter than others). Also, make sure there is no heat lamp or CHE on when you do this b/c it could throw temps off.

I know people have their own methods, but I put the probe INSIDE the tub, but never in the actual hide (so the snake can't lay on it). I tape it directly to the bottom of the tub, and ensure that the setting on the thermostat prevents hot spots. Then I cover it with a rock or decoration so the CHE doesn't impact it as much.

Even if you think the temps are spot on...check with the temp gun.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

Sound like a solid plan.

As for ideas for climbing, if you want stuff to climb on/around, you might find some small cork bark pieces you can put in any open space. Flatter ones can be climbed on or around. They can be baked or cleaned/sanitized with a bleach soak then water soak as needed, but may be best not to add until you are sure you're mite-free.

Or you can get some PVC pipe, some elbows or tees and end caps and build your own short climbing structure. PVC is pretty easy to sanitize with bleach or other disinfectants for QT.

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Good idea I forgot about little PVC jungle gyms. I may actually do that once I switch to a bigger cage, for now since its QT I'll probably keep it more simple

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

I use a zoo med UTH on a tub. Where to even start...

first of all you'll need to tape the heat mat to the tub b/c it won't stick. Second, I'm not sure how you will be able to get even temps if you are sandwiching a probe between the UTH and the tub (in fact, you won't get even temps). Even if the UTH is completely flat against the bottom of the tub, you will still experience hot spots with the Zoo Med UTH.

My advice. Get a thermostat, set it up and run it for 48 hours. Then check temps across the entire surface area of the UTH the second the Thermostat kicks off (some spots will be hotter than others). Also, make sure there is no heat lamp or CHE on when you do this b/c it could throw temps off.

I know people have their own methods, but I put the probe INSIDE the tub, but never in the actual hide (so the snake can't lay on it). I tape it directly to the bottom of the tub, and ensure that the setting on the thermostat prevents hot spots. Then I cover it with a rock or decoration so the CHE doesn't impact it as much.

Even if you think the temps are spot on...check with the temp gun.

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Thanks for the feedback

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

I use a zoo med UTH on a tub. Where to even start...

first of all you'll need to tape the heat mat to the tub b/c it won't stick. Second, I'm not sure how you will be able to get even temps if you are sandwiching a probe between the UTH and the tub (in fact, you won't get even temps). Even if the UTH is completely flat against the bottom of the tub, you will still experience hot spots with the Zoo Med UTH.

My advice. Get a thermostat, set it up and run it for 48 hours. Then check temps across the entire surface area of the UTH the second the Thermostat kicks off (some spots will be hotter than others). Also, make sure there is no heat lamp or CHE on when you do this b/c it could throw temps off.

I know people have their own methods, but I put the probe INSIDE the tub, but never in the actual hide (so the snake can't lay on it). I tape it directly to the bottom of the tub, and ensure that the setting on the thermostat prevents hot spots. Then I cover it with a rock or decoration so the CHE doesn't impact it as much.

Even if you think the temps are spot on...check with the temp gun.

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No tape inside the enclosure for any reason, ever. Setting decor on top means nothing as most snakes can move around things far heavier than you might expect.

If you're going to put it inside the tub or tank despite the risks of temperature spikes from a tipped water bowl or a large pee (especially a risk when using paper towels in a quarantine setup), at least secure it with something safer like hot glue or silicone.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

Might help to give info on the species. Sounds like it is not a BP from your post, but I'm not sure what it is.

I like the ultratherm heat mats (Reptile Basics sells them) or you could get heat tape that they wire for you from them as well which is just as easy to use as a heat mat. In my experience, the zoomed heat mats heat fairly unevenly. Not unusable, but annoying to find and test the hot spots of the mat to keep it all in a safe range.

If the species is small or good at escaping, I prefer these gasket tubs. Plenty of size for juvies of most species through a QT period and extremely secure. I'm sure you have a tub already since you state the size, but a consideration if it is a pretty small snake if the lid isn't extremely secure. I've had poor luck with adding binder clips or luggage straps to secure long sides of tubs with small snakes. There are various sizes in this style, but this is a good size for most things. https://www.target.com/p/sterilite-3...XDtUAaQWJgS6Bf

When working with tubs, I like to tape the UTH to the table (My QT table is just a particle board surface on a table we built at one point), then tape the thermostat probe to that on the cord right before the probe tip, then just set the tub over it. This lets me fully remove the tub for thorough washing without worry about probes or electrical.

It does end up with a slight air gap above the UTH below the tub, but that air gap is supposed to be good for UTH anyway, it gives space for the probe when you use tubs that have the feet like the gasket sterilite tubs I linked, and it doesn't need to be set much higher on the thermostat than when it is pressed against the bottom of a tub. 1-2 degrees is what I see for mine, though it may need more if there is a draft or A/C vent blowing along where the tub is placed. It also eliminates the odd bump that you usually get by sandwiching a probe and taping the heat mat to the enclosure itself.

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@pretends2bnormal I actually went out and bought that tub today, it's perfect. One thing I don't understand though, it has legs about half an inch or so. How will the UTH actually provide any heat without it taped to the bottom? Would be a pretty decent sized gap

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

@pretends2bnormal I actually went out and bought that tub today, it's perfect. One thing I don't understand though, it has legs about half an inch or so. How will the UTH actually provide any heat without it taped to the bottom? Would be a pretty decent sized gap

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The uth sticks to the bottom with the probe of the thermostat sandwiched between them, I had to reread the post too, it says to leave a gap between the insulation and the heater. 90* won’t hurt the tub

edit ok it does say leave a gap but I never have

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danger noodles

The uth sticks to the bottom with the probe of the thermostat sandwiched between them, I had to reread the post too, it says to leave a gap between the insulation and the heater. 90* won’t hurt the tub

edit ok it does say leave a gap but I never have

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Thanks Danger, but I think you misunderstood. Pretends and Ax are talking about taping the heat mat to a surface, not to the tub, and placing the tub on top of it with the probe sandwiched in between. This makes incredible sense for cleaning purposes, and I have done it in the past when I had a qt rack for a couple new bps that i had gotten. However, the tub recommended has short legs, while the tubs i had used in that previous application were flat on the bottom. Hence I am asking Pretends for clarification on how that has worked out in his experience with these specific tubs.

I do appreciate the response though[emoji847]

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Thanks Danger, but I think you misunderstood. Pretends and Ax are talking about taping the heat mat to a surface, not to the tub, and placing the tub on top of it with the probe sandwiched in between. This makes incredible sense for cleaning purposes, and I have done it in the past when I had a qt rack for a couple new bps that i had gotten. However, the tub recommended has short legs, while the tubs i had used in that previous application were flat on the bottom. Hence I am asking Pretends for clarification on how that has worked out in his experience with these specific tubs.

I do appreciate the response though[emoji847]

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It would make more sense if I didn’t know what I was talking about lol

I use the Sterlite gasket tubs with the 11x11 Ultratherm heat mats. My probe is taped to the wood base, the uth taped in place over the probe, and the tub sits on top. Depending on where in the stack it is, my thermostats are set from 90-92F to get a hot spot of 88-90F. I haven't had any issues with the tub temps from the small gap. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d3ff409831.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cc8e3e6af1.jpg

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Yeah, it does have a gap. I've never thought it was as big as 1/2", but I haven't actually measured. So, maybe it is... doesn't seem to matter in my experience.

Dianne is close to what I do, though I like my probe on top of the heat mat. The way I figure is that the gap allows me to put the probe there without the tub rocking over the probe and being uneven as it would with a flat tub. Also, heat rises, so unless there is a draft or fan blowing at the perfect angle to blow away the small pocket of warmed air, air will still heat and tend to rise into the tub floor.

I know everyone will say UTH will not heat the air, referring to raising ambient temperatures inside a tank. This is true, the UTH is not set high enough to go through glass or plastic and then ALSO heat the air on the other side inches and inches away. It is able to heat the small pocket of air above it under the tub which in turn heats the plastic floor of the tub. It doesn't go further, but it is enough for a hot spo which is all a UTH is really good for anyway.

I usually set my thermostat similarly, somewhere between 90 to 91 to get 89 to 90 inside. Since my probe is above the mat, I think it holds the temperature itself closer to the plastic just above it and has the lower differential than what Dianne is doing, but that is just hypothetical. Might just be my house is warmer and it takes less to heat that air pocket... I have no idea! :)

For a tub without feet, you would end up with the probe making it uneven and wobbly sitting over the probe the way I describe or even with the probe beneath with the tub on a solid surface. For that kind, I will put the probe below and set the tub onto a piece of insulation foam. I carve a slot for the probe into that foam, tape the heat mat over, and place the tun on top. Allows for the same functionality and that is what I do for the few tanks I have (like my Kenyan sand boa)

If it is too confusing (and I wouldn't be surprised.. I'm not great at explaining it), you can definitely do other methods. Mine is a bit different from the standard method, bit I love being able to drag the tub to the bathroom to thoroughly scrub it without dragging a taped on heat may with it, or having to remove and re-tale the heat mat (which would be not possible with ones like the zoomed if you use its sticky side to attach; peeling those off always has a risk of damaging the internals and doing it often guarantees you will need to replace it much sooner).

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Thanks Pretends and Dianne, super helpful both of you. The ultratherm pads are actually perfect with this tub cause that chunky connector Ax was talking about sits perfectly between the legs. And yeah, it's much easier for sure to just pick up the tub to rinse it out without the wires attached.

Dianne, what kinda shelves are those tubs on?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

If it is too confusing (and I wouldn't be surprised.. I'm not great at explaining it), you can definitely do other methods. Mine is a bit different from the standard method, bit I love being able to drag the tub to the bathroom to thoroughly scrub it without dragging a taped on heat may with it, or having to remove and re-tale the heat mat (which would be not possible with ones like the zoomed if you use its sticky side to attach; peeling those off always has a risk of damaging the internals and doing it often guarantees you will need to replace it much sooner).

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Not to confusing, all makes perfect sense.

I use the zoomed ones on the only 2 glass tanks that I still use (my KSB and the BRB until she's big enough for her T10) and I used aluminum foil over the sticky side and then taped it down to the tanks. Had to tape them really tight but that all worked out fine and they are reusable now if ever needed.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Not to confusing, all makes perfect sense.

I use the zoomed ones on the only 2 glass tanks that I still use (my KSB and the BRB until she's big enough for her T10) and I used aluminum foil over the sticky side and then taped it down to the tanks. Had to tape them really tight but that all worked out fine and they are reusable now if ever needed.

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I wasn't aware that was an issue on the first ones I used. I'm mostly swapped over to ultratherm or heat tape due to enclosure upgrades and stuff now.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by pretends2bnormal

I wasn't aware that was an issue on the first ones I used. I'm mostly swapped over to ultratherm or heat tape due to enclosure upgrades and stuff now.

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Lol neither was I, until I was taught by you guys a few years back that the probe goes between the uth and glass floor, not inside the tank. I ended up ripping it off, buying a new one, and following the advice of a sticky on this forum covering the tape side with tin foil so I wouldn't run into that problem again.

Most of my tanks now are APs that I use solely with RHPs, and I haven't had any new additions in the past year so just needed a refresher for a single at tub. My reptile room setup is so freakin awesome right now I can't wait to show you guys :)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Avsha531

Dianne, what kinda shelves are those tubs on?

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They are just some little cheap metal shelves from Target like you can put shoes on. I bought a second one when I added Kett and just attached them together with duct tape. I added the thin wood panels so that the heat would be held between the heat mat and tub because the shelves themselves are metal mesh. The little gap with these tubs is perfect and doesn’t stress the cord, connector, or probe like a completely flat tub would.