Making a DIY tub (thoughts?)

So I just wanted some thoughts on this.

I currently have my 5 month old ball python in a 10 gallon tank. Balancing the pros and cons, I was thinking of moving him over to a tub setup for his size upgrade. He's certainly due for it.

I know everyone has different opinions on tank/tub sizes, but I would like to give him space to move around when he's active at night. I also thought it would be fun to make a small project out of it.

I have a sturdy, 40g industrial sterilite tote ( 35.5" L x 21" W x 17.5" H) on hand that I wouldn't mind making use of, if appropriate. If I did, I want to put a plexiglass window on one side and seal with a safe, non-toxic adhesive. The bottom of the tote has ridges, which I'm not sure would be a dealbreaker or could be modified. Otherwise, the material is durable but still good for heat transfer.

I need to re-measure him, but Dante has since pushed past 3ft and should hit 400g in another couple of weeks. I just want to have the tub/tote set up/tweaked properly beforehand. But before I go cutting this tote up, I wanted to hear from you guys. Otherwise, I'll use it for storage.


1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

I don't know what you mean by ridges on the bottom, but if they would prevent the heat from transferring from a UTH through the bottom of the tub then I wouldn't use it.

Hefty makes a slightly smaller clear tub where the lid is held on securely with four latches and it has a smooth bottom. Lowes sells it for $20.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-25-Ga...Lid/1000505547

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Originally Posted by Awesomethepossum

I need to re-measure him, but Dante has since pushed past 3ft and should hit 400g in another couple of weeks.

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Do re-measure or weigh him again. Just for reference my 4 foot male weighs in at 1150 grams. At 3 feet long he was 900 grams.

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Originally Posted by RickyNY

Do re-measure or weigh him again. Just for reference my 4 foot male weighs in at 1150 grams. At 3 feet long he was 900 grams.

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Sorry that was a mistype I didn't catch. He's 2 feet, not 3.

1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I don't know what you mean by ridges on the bottom, but if they would prevent the heat from transferring from a UTH through the bottom of the tub then I wouldn't use it.

Hefty makes a slightly smaller clear tub where the lid is held on securely with four latches and it has a smooth bottom. Lowes sells it for $20.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-25-Ga...Lid/1000505547

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Here's a picture. An uneven bottom would have been a better way to describe it. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...22858399e0.jpg

1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

You really want something with a smooth bottom.

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

You really want something with a smooth bottom.

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I'll modify the bottom as well.

This can be viewed as unnecessary work- I know there are a lot of less complicated options out there, but I want to see what this'll turn out like. If I botch it (which is possible, as I've never built anything before..) at least it's a lesson learned.

1.0 Pumpkin Pied BP, 0.1 Bearded dragon, 1.2 Leopard gecko, 0.1 Ornate Pacman Frog

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Originally Posted by JodanOrNoDan

You really want something with a smooth bottom.

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Sorry to hijack, but can I ask why this is preferred? I kept a male boa in a tote similar to this for years with no issues.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

Sorry to hijack, but can I ask why this is preferred? I kept a male boa in a tote similar to this for years with no issues.

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A smooth-bottom tub can maintain even contact with the heat tape so you get more even heat transfer.

I came across this way and thought it was a good idea, looks nicer then a lot of tubs. I might try my own style to it but a tub on it's side instead of the bottom has potential.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_L4giSNdYPU

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Originally Posted by bcr229

A smooth-bottom tub can maintain even contact with the heat tape so you get more even heat transfer.

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Thank you! This is honestly the first time I've heard about this, but makes complete sense.