What size drill bit..etc.?

[sophie42204]

We're trying to get our set-up ready for our new guy which will be here on Wednesday and I have a couple questions...
1) What size drill bit would you recommend for drilling air holes in a 50qt. sterilite?
2) I'm having trouble creating a space between the heating pad and the container. I bought feet (3/4" wide) and they don't seem big (tall) enough....any suggestions would be helpful.
3) What type of substrate do you all use for sterilite type enclosures?

[Marla]

1) I prefer my soldering iron. After using a drill the first time, I've stuck with the soldering iron ever since.
2) If your feet have a sticky side as most do, just buy one more set and stick them to the first.
3) I prefer newspaper, but any substrate that works in glass works in plastic, too.

I'm glad you're getting it set up ahead of time. The li'l guy will be happy right out of the box.

[sophie42204]

I couldn't find a soldering iron when I went shopping, so Mark drilled them, they turned out fine (I would prefer the iron though). As far as the feet, that's exactly what I ended up doing, but it seems a bit unstable, so I'll look for something better, it'll do in the meantime. I was going to buy Soph a 20 long this weekend, but I really like how the sterilite turned out, so maybe I'll do that instead..

[Marla]

Get this one tuned up and you'll figure out how much easier they are to maintain once you get everything set right. Then you can easily make an informed decision what you want to do about housing Sophie.

There's a store near here that's a "tool closeout" kinda place and they just had soldering irons on sale for $2.99. I nearly went and bought some, but couldn't figure out what I needed them for.

[sophie42204]

You needed them b/c they were only $2.99!! You just never know when they'll up and stop working for you ya' know!! :wink:

[Marla]

That was how my reasoning started out, too, but then I remembered my new mantra -- "no more STUFF until I've moved!" Plus, I doubt I'll have a problem finding inexpensive ones as long as the store is there. I've avoided going and browsing because I *know* how that will go "Oh, I should pick up another set of crimpers while I'm here, and look at that little wire stripper! I should get that. Oh, and soldering irons for $2.99? I need three! Oh, and drill bits! You can never have enough drill bits!" etc. Hee hee.

[sophie42204]

I soooooo know how that is!! Happens to me all the time, love how my 'shopping brain' takes over my conscientious one......I just can't...help...it.....

[Marla]

I don't do it when it comes to girly stuff much, but reptile stuff and gadgets, watch out!

[Sassafrass]

When I drilled the holes in my steralites, I used a 3/8" wood boring bit, instead of a standard drill bit. Worked good...no cracks.

And I use newspaper in mine....and I agree with Marlas double feet stick on thingie idea.

And I dont do girly stuff either....I have more tools than I have clothes and shoes combined!!