Help starting up

[Scott19]

I am planning on using a tub for my bp, I was wondering what is equal to a 20 gallon tank, like the size of the tub. And how do you heat the tub? Thanks

[Kaorte]

tub sizes are measured in quarts. The commonly sized tubs for different sized ball pythons are as follows:

6qt: under 300g
12-15qt: 300-600
28-32qt: 600-1500
42qt: 1500+

Most people who use tubs use them in a rack setup with flexwatt heat tape. This can be ordered online but you need to wire it yourself (unless you pay someone to wire it). You can also use a regular UTH that you would use for a tank.

With either method you MUST use a reptile thermostat to control the temperature of the heating element.

[snakesRkewl]

Tubs on shelves work also, same thing, flexwatt, thermostat and locking lid tub and your good to go

[stevepoppers]

Reptilebasics sells $5 clips with their Flexwatt and will put them on for free. Better than screwing with a razorblades, soldering iron, and wire cutter/stripper and ruining an extension cord.

[Kaorte]

Reptilebasics sells $5 clips with their Flexwatt and will put them on for free. Better than screwing with a razorblades, soldering iron, and wire cutter/stripper and ruining an extension cord.

If you are handy with electrical wiring its not hard at all. Plus the materials to wire it yourself cost like $5 and that is enough to wire 6 shelves.

[stevepoppers]

I have never done any wiring or soldering and I don't have the materials. It works for me.

[Vypyrz]

If you are going to set up a stand alone tub, first you will need to decide the approximate size of snake you are going to get, then get a tub that will hold 2 appropriately sized hides and a water bowl. I basically set mine up just like a tank with 2 hides, water bowl, and a fake rock or piece of wood for rubbing on to help with shedding. Here is one of my 32 quart tubs...