Tubs vs. Terrariums?

[AaronAshley]

Hey everyone.. I know many people have many different opinions when it comes to what's best for your balls: tubs or terrariums? I can definitely see both sides. I think all the fancy fake plants and rocks are a waste of money, but agree it simulates the natural habitat. At the same time, snakes probably don't feel the need for fancy hides and things. As long as you're providing proper husbandry, care and cleaning, why couldn't a plastic tub make a good home? I personally have terrariums right now, but am about to upgrade my collection and am thinking about starting a rack of tubs. I'm looking to convert my current snake enclosures into enclosures for another type of reptile. If you have any experience with this, please message me or comment below Let me know your opinion

[The Serpent Merchant]

Glass tanks don't hold heat or humidity in very well making them the least preferable option. They often are too open and stress the snake out.

Tubs hold humidity in very well and are easy to heat the hot side, but they can be difficult to maintain cool side temperatures in. These are great for large collections in temperature controlled rooms

Professionally made reptile enclosures hold both heat and humidity in very well which makes them prefered for small collections.

[AaronAshley]

All good points. The whole glass thing is why I've considered moving to tubs. Thanks!

[EAC Reptiles]

If you are planning on expanding your collection you should go with a rack system. You are able to have a larger collection in a smaller space and the environment is much more controllable.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It whatever works for your animals and yourself, as long as your BP's needs are being met it's all that matter regardless of the enclosure.

Both have pros and cons and both can make good enclosures.

[AaronAshley]

Yes, sorry I left that out. I do plan on going with a rack system. Thanks!

[kitedemon]

Racks are fine but heating can be interesting the easiest solution is just to plan on heating the room to close to the correct ambient/ cool end temps this is the big draw back of racks limited heating options and no options the effect ambient air temps significantly. I also find racks slow and hard to clean but then again I clean the tubs and rack body. I also disinfect after cleaning, it seems not all do (few as far as I have noticed) I spend 4 hours usually. It is a serious pain.

Tanks can be balanced they hold heat better than some racks, (plastic) as they have more mass. I posted a 'side turned' tank tutorial that solves all heat and humidity issues of tanks. It is easy and doesn't tank too much time. I may if I have a chance get plexi cut on a laser toward Christmas for a friends tanks and if this is of interest we could talk you can PM me if you want.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...arium-Solution

I love plastic enclosures they are the easiest to set up IMO plastic enclosures, side tanks, tubs and rack and open tanks. Easiest to hardest to manage.

Open top tanks can be interesting they offer the largest flexibility for heating but heat rises humid air rises so top venting allows both to escape.

[barbie.dragon]

X2 on what everyone else said. It just depends on your needs. A terrarium with a PROPER set up or a tub with a proper set up are both fine for ball pythons (from what I have gathered). Although I have a glass tank and it took some tweaking to get consistent temperatures/humidity. But I can't use tubs because the ambient temperature in my room is way too low. Just depends on the situation :>