Cheap Reptile Terrarium

[OokamiReyuu]

Hello,

Well hes starting to get too big for the 10 gallon tank he's in. And i was wondering if anyone know where there is a website that sells them pretty cheap im on a budget.

[Evenstar]

Switch him to a tub. Can't get cheaper than that.

If you absolutely can't do without a tank, you can try to find something off craigs list that you can afford. But you'll have to disinfect it carefully. You can really do up tubs nicely though and they hold humidity much better. Having said that, I do use a tank for my BP and I like the Zilla Critterkeepers. A 20gal would be a good choice for a long time and it is going to run about $80 but it comes with a locking screen lid which is very nice. But I still recommend a tub....

[RichsBallPythons]

wal mart and buy 28qt sterilite tub for $8.

[Bill T]

Tubs are so much nicer for the bp. I do use some aquariums but i love the tubs. They are like 6-10 bucks at walgreens and target. If u live near a walmart prob less. he nice ones that have locking lids are like 10 at target and work great. otherwise ya criagslist might have somethin. i have a couple large ones i got for free so keep lookin around. Yard and garage sales are great 2

[OokamiReyuu]

True, when do you think he needs move to a bigger one? hes over 20 inches (Very rough estimate) and is going into shed right now so yea i need a little help and what kind of UTH would be good for a tub?

[RichsBallPythons]

male will never out grow a 28qt tub. its rare to see or have one that needs bigger.

You can build your own. Buy one sheet of melamine and make a 3ftx2ftx1ft cage and hell be set for LIFE,

[OokamiReyuu]

Im not very good at building things haha unless theres very good instructions. Also i dont know his sex i just call him my baby boy

[Evenstar]

If "he" turns out to be a "she" you might consider a 32qt tub. Shouldn't be too big for a male, but it would give a female a bit more room. You can clutter it up if its a bit big for him now by adding a couple extra hides and/or crumpled newspaper to hide under. If you are able to find one with a locking lid, you don't have to put it in a rack - it can stand alone. Drill a couple (like literally just 1 or 2) small holes in the ends for ventilation.

For a UTH, I recommend the Ultratherm from Reptile Basics. Call or email them to inquire on the appropriate size depending on the type of tub you go with. You need to make sure the tub is sitting on "feet" so that air circulates under the UTH. And you MUST use a thermostat! Not just because they can get too hot for your snake, but because you are now working with plastic and plastic has the ability to melt. But an Ultratherm regulated by a good thermostat should be fine and I've certainly never heard of plastic melting at 90 degrees...

Another option would be to use a Radiant Heat Panel also from Reptile Basics. They are a bit more expensive, but worth it imo. This would attach to the inside of the tubs lid and will heat the area like sunlight would. Many folks recommend belly heat and so do I - but this product does provide belly heat - heat is emitted from the panel and radiates to the surface, warming it. The snake gets its heat from the warmed surface it lays on. Its just a different way of warming the surface. The benefit here is safety - no burn worries. Just a thought....

Hope this helps!

[adamsky27]

Evenstar gave some great information, a very good post.

[OokamiReyuu]

Thanks i'll be looking into it. Now any advice in bedding? hes on paper towels now