Newbie question about my first BP's setup...

[Suzy]

As some of you know, I was the winner in Tim Bailey/Muddoc's contest this year. I won a female Spider, and she will be my first BP. In anticipation of getting her soon, I have some questions.

First of all, I know the temps should be in the low 90s on the hot side, and low 80s on the cool side. Should I be ok with 1 UTH on a thermostat, or should I get 2 UTH's to regulate both sides? My room temperatures are usually right around 74 F, but it fluctuates between 70 and 78 depending on what part of year it is. Initially, I will have her in a 15 quart tub (similar to this one), so it would be kind of hard fitting 2 different UTH's under there.

I also know that humidity issues can be a problem with BPs. Should I drill smaller holes (like I would for a colubrid) in the tub, or should I keep them larger (maybe 1/4" or 1/2") and mist on a regular basis? (Or I could also just keep the water bowl partially over the UTH on the hot side to allow evaporation.)

I appreciate all of your guys' help on this. I'm planning on placing a UTH order very soon, as i'm also expecting some Colubrids within the next 2 weeks, so as soon as I can get the correct information, i'll be ordering. Thank you in advance!

[Vypyrz]

You shouldn't need 2 UTH's for a tub that small. It would be best to start with one UTH and thermostat. See how it goes for a few days and then if you feel the need to add another, go ahead.

As far as the holes. I just used a soldering iron to punch mine with and space them out about 2 inches apart. My humidity was still a bit high so I added a second row for more ventilation. If you are going to use larger holes then obviously you won't need as many. It's basically a trial and error thing. It's best to start off with just a few holes and add as needed to get the humidity right...

Rob

[Suzy]

OK, Great. Thank you very much! I appreciate your help.

I may have to pick up a soldiering wand or something in the near future. It would definitely make my life easier.

Thanks again!

[Jenn]

Hi Suzy.

Sounds like you've done some homework. Most people find tubs easier to maintain proper heat and humidity than tanks. The size of the holes is not quite as important as how many and where they are. Start with a few on each end of the tub. Put the warm side holes higher up the tub than the cool side holes and have a few more holes on the warm end than the cool end. Set everything up before you get the snake. Once you have some readings it will be pretty obvious what you need to do next.

[snakesRkewl]

I use those tubs and love them.
I use the 6, 15 and 34 qt ones, and they are quite sturdy and long lasting(so far 2 yrs).
I have my smaller ones sitting on 3 inch heat tape and my rooms ambient is 80 degrees so you might want to try using a 4 inch wide piece to make up for the cooler room.
My tubs hot spot is 92 normally, and the ambient sits about 80 cool end and 85-86 warm end.


Congrats on winning a lil spider girl

[Suzy]

Hi Suzy.

Sounds like you've done some homework. Most people find tubs easier to maintain proper heat and humidity than tanks. The size of the holes is not quite as important as how many and where they are. Start with a few on each end of the tub. Put the warm side holes higher up the tub than the cool side holes and have a few more holes on the warm end than the cool end. Set everything up before you get the snake. Once you have some readings it will be pretty obvious what you need to do next.

Thank you very much for the info! For now, I'll just get the one UTH.

I use those tubs and love them.
I use the 6, 15 and 34 qt ones, and they are quite sturdy and long lasting(so far 2 yrs).
I have my smaller ones sitting on 3 inch heat tape and my rooms ambient is 80 degrees so you might want to try using a 4 inch wide piece to make up for the cooler room.
My tubs hot spot is 92 normally, and the ambient sits about 80 cool end and 85-86 warm end.

Congrats on winning a lil spider girl

I'm currently using some 15 qt. and 34 qt. tubs for my Colubrids. (Corns and a Black Milk) I love the security that these provide, so I figured I'd stick with them until I go to racks.

I hadn't thought about heat tape. I'm not 100% sure that I'll be getting more (who am I kidding? LOL) but if I get a few more BPs, I'll definitely get a rack and use heat tape.

Thank you very much for the information and the congrats.