Question from a new guy

I'm considering getting a Ball Python as a pet. I've had a Red Tail Boa, but it's been many years ago. But I have some idea what I'm getting into. I also have a friend with several larger snakes who's given me some advice.

I guess my first question is about the enclosure. From my reading it seems that something the size of a 25-30 gallon aquarium is perfect for an adult BP. My friend has some large enclosures like the ones at reptilebasics.com. I just don't need anything that elaborate that looks like furniture. So I was thinking about either a semi-transparent tub (like a Rubbermaid or the ones at reptiletubs.com) or a glass aquarium.

So I guess my first question is what are the pros and cons of either? Neither seems very expensive or difficult to find. Is either better as an enclosure?

:welcome:

:)

Thanks, just trying to educate myself a little.

Tubs get a + for: cleaning, easy temp & humidity maint., space
Tubs get a - for display purposes

Tanks get a + for: display purposes
Tanks get a -for: space, maybe cleaning if ypu have a lot of them, maint.,temp & humidity(depending on where you live of course)

I have tanks and am in the process of building an 11 tub rack system.

Like stated above, tanks are more clear than tubs, so for display purposes, tanks are better...

That being said, tubs are SOOOOOOO much easier. The plastic tubs hold heat and humidity 1000x better than any glass aquarium. Also, tub maintenance is a breeze. They're lightweight and easy to move, which makes cleaning a lot easier. Also, because the tub is smaller, your ball python will feel more secure and will likely have a stronger feeding response.

If you are just having the one a tank would be ok, but I must warn ya many cannot stop at only 1 :)

I think a tub is how I was leaning and this kind of seals it for me.

Are there reptile-specific tubs, or are the Iris tubs at Office Depot ok?

I'll definitely agree with the other responses.... I used to not like the tub idea because of the display issues, but after having a rack system with tubs, I have moved most of what I have in that direction.... it is very easy care and maintainence to say the least ;-)

i have some in tubes and some in tanks but i am getting to to build a couple of racks to put all the snakes in. you can't have just 1 snake. lol

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Originally Posted by llovelace

If you are just having the one a tank would be ok, but I must warn ya many cannot stop at only 1 :)

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once ya pop you cant stop

betcha cant try just one

so many chip references

Iris tubs are fine, what size BP is it?

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Originally Posted by TexasGuy

I think a tub is how I was leaning and this kind of seals it for me.

Are there reptile-specific tubs, or are the Iris tubs at Office Depot ok?

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I picked up a sterilite tub at Walmart personally, but any plastic tub will work. Just drill or melt holes in the sides for ventilation and under tank heat controlled by a rheostat/thermostat and you're set...

I personally like the Iris tubs, my RBI 32qt system uses Iris 32 qt tubs and my little rack uses smaller Iris tubs I think they are easier to clean vs sterlite or rubbermade because it has no grooves at the bottom. Just my 2cents but I havent used rubbermaid or sterlite so someone might elaborate more on them if I am wrong.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by llovelace

Iris tubs are fine, what size BP is it?

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I don't have one yet, just trying to get my ducks in a row before I find a snake. But I'm thinking I'd like to find an adult snake rather than start off with a baby.

ok then a 28-32qt tub will be fine, check out the DIY section, you'll find some great stuff there :)

alot of people keep them in 28 or 32qt i just got some 41qts to build a rack.
you can use smaller ones (16qt i think) for young snakes.
you can get the 16qt at family dollar for $2.50 i paid $8 for 41qt never priced other sizes yet

41 Qt, as in the 34"x17"x6" size?

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Originally Posted by TexasGuy

41 Qt, as in the 34"x17"x6" size?

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That's about the size tub I have my 1700g girl in... :gj:

the tubs are not all what they seem to be or what people make them to be. i tried one because my tank was a headache. the results were the same as a tank. i only have one bp. i went and bought a tub and some heat tape and hides for the tub thinking my hum. issues and heat issues were solved. well i was wrong. the heat was just as bad as it was on the tank and so was the hum. tubs are for people that have more than a couple of snakes and keep them in a room at an constant ambient temp of atleast 80.

I would have to agree with mustang. I have 3 bp's and 2 are in tubs 1 is in a tank. If I had the room & money I would take them out of the tubs and put them straight into a tank. I've found it much easier to control the climate of a tank than a tub.

i haven't had a problem w/ the rbi cages. came just the way described. haven't had any temp problems other than fauly thermometer, which is a different story. holds humidity well. no need for foil wrappiing or extra work in my opnion i like it.

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Originally Posted by MUSTANGGTANDGSXR

the tubs are not all what they seem to be or what people make them to be. i tried one because my tank was a headache. the results were the same as a tank. i only have one bp. i went and bought a tub and some heat tape and hides for the tub thinking my hum. issues and heat issues were solved. well i was wrong. the heat was just as bad as it was on the tank and so was the hum. tubs are for people that have more than a couple of snakes and keep them in a room at an constant ambient temp of atleast 80.

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The room I plan to keep the tub in is not 80 degrees. Is that a problem? I thought it was just a matter of keeping the enclosure at a certain temp?

I use the rubbermaid tubs in my rack and I love them. But I also has a sterlite rack. The rubbermaid is built better in my opinon but I've never had a single one get out.

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Originally Posted by TexasGuy

The room I plan to keep the tub in is not 80 degrees. Is that a problem? I thought it was just a matter of keeping the enclosure at a certain temp?

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you are right, but ambient temps need to be 80f-85f. and you cannot have a che unless you modify the cover and make a hole to heat the ambient, which defeats the whole purpose of doing a tub. unless you have multiple snakes and they are housed in a room that is 80f-85f, it would be the same headache as a tank. an uth will not help with ambient temps

what's a che?

ceramic heat emmiter

From my experience (2 snakes, 2 tubs, and the room does NOT keep a constant temp), tubs are MUCH easier to maintain consistent temps and humidity. If the humidity is a little low, use a bigger (surface area, not deeper) water dish, move it towards the warm side, and cover a couple holes until you achieve the optimal humidity. If you cover 1/3 of the tub with the under tank heat, you can use aluminum tape or foil on the bottom (outside) of the tub which will dissipate the heat throughout the tub and will keep your cool side temps where they need to be... I can keep my bps in a room that stays approx 70 degrees and maintain the temps I need... Humidity is a breeze in the tub though...

Ok, so let's say I have the 41 Qt Iris tub. What are the best choices for heating?

:welcome: I like the tubs. Start looking for plans on how to build racks. You just can't stop at 1. lol :)

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Originally Posted by TexasGuy

Ok, so let's say I have the 41 Qt Iris tub. What are the best choices for heating?

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You could go with a foot of 11" Flexwatt which would cover approximately 1/3 of the bottom of the tub. You would generally have to order that online. You could also go with a medium Under Tank Heater that you can pick up at a local pet store, but those are generally going to be more expensive... Either route you go, you will NEED a thermostat to control the heat, or it will get TOO hot for the snake... But I strongly recommend that either one be attached to the bottom of the tub (outside) with aluminum tape that will cover the entire bottom of the tub... That will allow the heat to radiate through the aluminum, keeping your cool side warmer than room temp as well as creating a gradient across the length of the tub...

Is the under tank heater something like a heating pad you would buy at a drugstore?

no its not, check this link it will tell you exactly what it is

uth
http://www.petco.com/product/6353/Zo...LAID=201376144

heat tape
http://reptilebasics.com/Flexwatt-He...p-1-c-297.html