Question about building a tub

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

alright,so I'm going to build a tub for my python and i'm following the instructions i found here (unless anyone has a better one)

here is the link YouTube - How to build a snake tank


but my question is at the end of the video,he has a lamp over the tub, i thought with a tub only the UTH was necessary?

anyone feel like clarifying for me?


thanks much

-Tiny

[Vypyrz]

It depends on what kind of animal you are keeping in the tub and what it's temp requirements are. Most tubs are usually 5-6 inches deep and you won't need a heat lamp...

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

well last I checked this is the forum for Ball Python husbandry right? well the tub is for a ball python...

[2kdime]

The only time people really use overhead lights is when they cant keep the room temperature elevated for the species.

An under tank heater/flexwatt/what have you you, isnt going to do ANYTHING for the ambient temps in the enclosure.

Im doubting your room is heated since it seems to be your only snake correct?

Best bet would go with a TANK and using lights that way.

Each setup has its ups and downs, but thatd be your best bet.

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

she's in a tank right now,but im switching her to a tub...and no the room isn't kept heated,the room temp is about 78-79 right now

She's in a 75 gallon tank right now...YES I KNOW THIS IS VERY BIG FOR A FEMALE BALL, THE TANK WAS FREE THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT

but now back on topic...she's going from the tank to a tub...a 42 quart sterilite tub...and i know the only UTH to use is the 1-5 gallon zoo med reptitherm rh7 (thats safe for tubs)...

my question is will a heat lamp over it be necessary?

[seeya205]

she's in a tank right now,but im switching her to a tub...and no the room isn't kept heated,the room temp is about 78-79 right now

She's in a 75 gallon tank right now...YES I KNOW THIS IS VERY BIG FOR A FEMALE BALL, THE TANK WAS FREE THAT IS WHY I TOOK IT

but now back on topic...she's going from the tank to a tub...a 42 quart sterilite tub...and i know the only UTH to use is the 1-5 gallon zoo med reptitherm rh7 (thats safe for tubs)...

my question is will a heat lamp over it be necessary?

You will need a larger uth than that! If controlled with thernostat or dimmer(which you need to have), any uth is safe with any tub! I would use a 10- 20 gallon size uth at minimum! If the room temps are 78-79 then you don't need any lights! I use the lights in winter time because my room temp is only 70!

[BPelizabeth]

well first of all...I don't know who that is...but that tub is too high and too short for a ball python. A typical tub depending on size for an adult is a 32qt long or a large female is 41 qt long. Hatchlings can go into a shoebox type tub.

Second of all he is NOT using a thermostat to regulate that UTH which is a huge no no. These can run up to 110-115 degrees which could kill a snake. Your temps on the warm side should be about 91-92. His info regarding the thermometer is correct...that is a good one to use and I like that he put the cord part on the outside as they can get tangled in that.

Thirdly.....if you have the uth being controlled by a thermostat you will not need a light as long as your ambient temps and the cool side temps stay about 80-82. Though Im confused if your room is not heated how it is 78-79 in PA. So just double check that. If they are not....and you are having trouble keeping your cool side in the low 80's I might suggest a space heater.

As for the moss....you need to be careful with it as it can hold too too much moisture and cause scale rot. A good substrate is Aspen....or you can use paper towels or newspaper. It is very clean and there are no issues of ingesting when feeding day comes. But that is just what I use. Typically if they are in a tub...especially where you live it will generate the humidity needed from the water bowl. Just drill 3 holes on each side....and two in the front to start with. If you see the humidity is too high still...drill more holes.

Also and I totally mean no disrespect at all...but you come across a little harsh with your comments. Let me tell you...everyone for the most part on here is really cool and just want to help. We never want to give anyone bad information so we always ask lots of questions just to make sure we know what you have and what you need.

I hope this helps you!!

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

You will need a larger uth than that! If controlled with thermostat or dimmer(which you need to have), any uth is safe with any tub! I would use a 10- 20 gallon size uth at minimum! If the room temps are 78-79 then you don't need any lights! I use the lights in winter time because my room temp is only 70!

Ok...a bigg UTH long as a rheostat or dimmer is used...seeing as how the hot side for most pythons is supposed to be around 90-92F, that shouldnt melt or warp the tub right?

I want to do as much research as i can before i shell out the money and such

(also dont want a fire to start...that would be very bad)

[BPelizabeth]

No it will not start a fire. However I would suggest putting the bin up on two slats of wood. Reason is it should not just sit on the carpet or the floor or a piece of furniture. I hope that makes sense. It is good to get a little air under it. Just boost it up a bit from the floor.

[Tiny_loves_Roxanne]

No it will not start a fire. However I would suggest putting the bin up on two slats of wood. Reason is it should not just sit on the carpet or the floor or a piece of furniture. I hope that makes sense. It is good to get a little air under it. Just boost it up a bit from the floor.

that I understand, the stand the tank is on now is made of steel and has a hollow top for air to get to the UTH i have on it

I was working on a wooden rest for the tub as well...


what would you suggest setting the rheostat/dimmer to, to keep the hot side from overheating and warping the plastic/melting it...

if the hot side hsould be 90 then setting it to 85-90F should be right, right?