Black plastic tubs

[jimbo4382]

Hi people.

Im picking up my new Bumble bee in two weeks today.

I've got a black tub (12" x 18") for him coz i would assume this would make him feel more secure until I upsize his tub when he gets bigger. The plastic is black but its still see through.

I've got a heat matt and stat already. I was going to put holes in the top of the tub and i've got a dessk lamp and i was gonna get a red low watt bulb to sit on top of the tank. This im hoping will give some more light and raise air temps accross the tub. The bulb will sit approx 12" from the plastic so it wont be melting anything.

Do you think the black tub is wise or would letting more light in using clear plastic for a higher contrast of day/night be better?

[JAMills]

Hmmm... Black tub with the red light may not be a good choice in My Opinion.

Black absorbs and hold heat and you could have an issue with over heating.
Think of this - Walk outside on a warm sunny day bare foot, The light colored side walk will be warm to your feet but then step onto the Black Asphalt next to it and it will be hot. Black/Dark tends to absorb and hold heat, White/Light tends to reflect heat.

You could end up cooking your new little bumble bee...
Roasted Bumble Bee is just not a dish I am interested in trying...LOL

The size you mention should be fine unless you are talking about a larger sub-adult / adult ball python.

[Kaorte]

You shouldn't need the extra light, especially since it is a semi-opaque tub. Put the UTH on the tub and check your temps. If you need supplemental heat, consider a second UTH.

[snakesRkewl]

I use see through tubs and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I walk into the room and can instantly see if there is any issues with spilled waters by the condensation on the front of a tub.
I can watch live feeds through the tub without standing like a hawk over the tub.
My snakes feed awesome in clear tubs.

I wouldn't use a light over the tub either, fire hazard.
A 70 degree room with a tub sitting on a properly sized heat pad will be all you need for heat.

[jimbo4382]

Well im picking up the heat matt and stat off my bro tomorrow. he has a spare. I will set the tub up and see how it looks.

My main concern is the reduced amount of light in the tub. But i guess if they live in borrows it wouldn't mind it being fairly dark in there.

I use heavy dog bowls so the water will not be spilt.

I have two weeks to get my tub running properly so im not concerned with being able to see in all the time.

I normally change the water daily and thats enough of a look if the tub is set up correctly I.M.O.

[Kaorte]

I don't think the light will be an issue at all. I know people who keep their snakes in completely darkness unless they are in the room.

[MTovar]

My main concern is the reduced amount of light in the tub. But i guess if they live in borrows it wouldn't mind it being fairly dark in there.

My quarantine is located in my pitch black laundry room. These animals are doing very well. They ate their FT this morning like champs.

[jimbo4382]

well i have set the tub up and my little snake seems happy enough in there.

Its not pitch black tho. Its just like heavily tinted windows.

[Kaorte]

Looks good!