Black Sterilite tub vs. Clear Sterilite tub

I’ll be getting a ball python in the near future and was planning to use a Sterilite tub setup for them until I get a rack system in place. Was originally planning on getting a clear Sterilite tub, however, thought that maybe a completely solid black tub instead would be better to make them feel a bit more secure. I’d be using appropriately sized hides in either one as well (RB hides).


I’d be still taking them out to socialize them/handle them from time to time, but I thought that having a solid colored/dark tub will let them feel a bit more secure and less stressed by outside stimuli.


Does this sound okay? Has anyone else done this/have experience with it? Yay/nay?

If no light comes thru, I'd avoid using the black ones- snakes do use (need?) the ambient room light for a photoperiod (ie. to know when it's day or night)- just think about how disorienting it is for humans when kept in the dark for extended periods of time.

Also, that "sense of security" might backfire on you- & make them more startled & stressed when approached.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

If no light comes thru, I'd avoid using the black ones- snakes do use (need?) the ambient room light for a photoperiod (ie. to know when it's day or night)- just think about how disorienting it is for humans when kept in the dark for extended periods of time.

Also, that "sense of security" might backfire on you- & make them more startled & stressed when approached.

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The sense of security part makes sense! Got a bit of mixed signals when reading other threads in regards to light and there were some threads mentioning how BPs do not really need a photoperiod compared to other snakes due to their life strategy and in rack setups, they only get minimal light through the cracks whenever someone is the room.

I can't say for sure just how much daylight they require- but it just goes against my gut feeling to contain any creature without providing for the realistic options they'd have in the wild- ie. the ability to perceive daylight cycles.

And in my experience, snakes which are more nervous & high-strung do better when they have some routine exposure to my proximity- it might matter less with BPs, since they tend to hide a lot? I keep snakes that are nosy, so they learn I'm not a big scary predator when they can see me & what's going on around them. It's a balance though- if your household is very "active", that wouldn't be quite the same thing.

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Originally Posted by antinoud

Has anyone else done this/have experience with it? Yay/nay?

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I had a good experience moving my BP from a clear tub to an opaque one but a lot of other things changed when I switched, so it may not have been the color of the tub that led to the improvement. If you post pics of the tubs you're considering, it will help us evaluate your options.

All I can say is that my snakes are in transparent tubs, but I also provide opaque black hides for them. Usually they push the hide off the heat and snuggle in between the back of the hide and the back of the tub, but sometimes they go inside... then migrate themselves and their hide back and forth in the tub to suit their heat preference. It's rather amusing to watch the hides moving forward and backwards inside the tub from one day to the next.

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Originally Posted by Argentum

All I can say is that my snakes are in transparent tubs, but I also provide opaque black hides for them. Usually they push the hide off the heat and snuggle in between the back of the hide and the back of the tub, but sometimes they go inside... then migrate themselves and their hide back and forth in the tub to suit their heat preference. It's rather amusing to watch the hides moving forward and backwards inside the tub from one day to the next.

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It's even better when they start to out-grow their hides & look a bit like tortoises sliding around. :rofl: Or like they've always wanted a top-hat? :colbert2:

My boy started in a black tub but I put led lights inside so he had a day and night cycle. I feel like with a clear one you probably don't need that but it worked for me so I figured I'd say what I did.

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Appreciate the replies so far everyone!

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Originally Posted by Homebody

I had a good experience moving my BP from a clear tub to an opaque one but a lot of other things changed when I switched, so it may not have been the color of the tub that led to the improvement. If you post pics of the tubs you're considering, it will help us evaluate your options.

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Here’s the tote I was thinking of (the black colored one). Obviously would be putting in ventilation holes as well.
https://www.containerstore.com/s/sto...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Originally Posted by Neko_snake

My boy started in a black tub but I put led lights inside so he had a day and night cycle. I feel like with a clear one you probably don't need that but it worked for me so I figured I'd say what I did.

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What prompted you to change if I may ask?

At the end of the day, I don’t mind using a clear or opaque tote, just don’t want them to feel stressed out. The python in question will be a 150-160 gram one so a bit small, I’d be putting in two medium reptile basics hide box (one on cool end one on warm) with some scrunched up paper inside to make them feel more secure as they grow into it. Was just trying to mimic a more enclosed space, similar to a rack.

Again, only my own personal experience, but I'd go with something different from what you posted. Not because I don't think it could work, but because I've used a tub similar in design to that in the past for an emergency, and they are an absolute pain the posterior portion to clean, and doing so takes much longer than one that's smooth on the inside. I swear that snakes particularly love to grind their mess into the grooves and hollows.

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Originally Posted by antinoud

What prompted you to change if I may ask?

At the end of the day, I don’t mind using a clear or opaque tote, just don’t want them to feel stressed out. The python in question will be a 150-160 gram one so a bit small, I’d be putting in two medium reptile basics hide box (one on cool end one on warm) with some scrunched up paper inside to make them feel more secure as they grow into it. Was just trying to mimic a more enclosed space, similar to a rack.

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He just out grew it and I saved up enough money to upgrade him so I thought why not. Plus my boyfriend at the time wanted a snake of his own so the old tub was used for that snake. I currently have Remy in a glass enclosure and I like that a lot since I can see him and what he's up to.

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Originally Posted by antinoud

Here’s the tote I was thinking of (the black colored one). Obviously would be putting in ventilation holes as well.
https://www.containerstore.com/s/sto...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

At the end of the day, I don’t mind using a clear or opaque tote, just don’t want them to feel stressed out. The python in question will be a 150-160 gram one so a bit small, I’d be putting in two medium reptile basics hide box (one on cool end one on warm) with some scrunched up paper inside to make them feel more secure as they grow into it. Was just trying to mimic a more enclosed space, similar to a rack.

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I think it's worth a shot. Particularly, if you're planning to put it in a bright, high traffic area. It's not expensive, so if it doesn't work, you don't have too much invested. The 10 gallon one is the best size. You should also add binder clips (or some such) for additional security.

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Originally Posted by Argentum

Again, only my own personal experience, but I'd go with something different from what you posted. Not because I don't think it could work, but because I've used a tub similar in design to that in the past for an emergency, and they are an absolute pain the posterior portion to clean, and doing so takes much longer than one that's smooth on the inside. I swear that snakes particularly love to grind their mess into the grooves and hollows.

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This is definitely something to consider. My tub has a flat bottom and rounded corners. It's a dream to clean. This'll be tougher, but you only have one tub to clean, so I'm sure you can manage it.

I have two, soon to be three snakes in a tub. I actually love it because I having humidity issues. Since I have put my two bps in there, I haven't had an issue. *knocks on wood* I will be moving my third BP to a tub this weekend. The only issue I am having is now is finding the one that I absolutely love. Which is the 37qt Gasket Box. It is the perfect size.

For reference, you can look at my post entitled "Maleficient" or "Melikhi".

I’d also go with a clear tub over a black one. It gives the snake a day/night cycle and it’s easier for you to see your critter.

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I’d also go with a clear tub over a black one. It gives the snake a day/night cycle and it’s easier for you to see your critter.

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That last part is what is important to me: if you can't see in easily, that means every time you want to check on your snake you have to disturb them, which isn't ideal for them, IMO.

And while bad situations are usually (& hopefully) rare, they can become much worse when not seen & caught in time, so for me, it's a safety thing too. Besides, that's a big part of why I have snakes- to watch them.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That last part is what is important to me: if you can't see in easily, that means every time you want to check on your snake you have to disturb them, which isn't ideal for them, IMO.

And while bad situations are usually (& hopefully) rare, they can become much worse when not seen & caught in time, so for me, it's a safety thing too. Besides, that's a big part of why I have snakes- to watch them.

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There are pros and cons to either choice, but I wouldn't choose clear over opaque for visibility. Visibility through clear plastic is poor. If your snake is right up against the side, you'll be able confirm that it's in there. Other than that, it'll appear as a dark lump indistinguishable from a hide. If you want visibility, you need glass.

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Originally Posted by Homebody

.... If you want visibility, you need glass.

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Which will always be my choice. ;)