I need an opinion on tub size.

[ceca2015]

My ball python is about 170 g, and is housed in a 32 quart tub. Is this too big of a tub? There are 2 hide boxes, one on the cold side and one on the warm side. She never refuses a meal, even in a big enclosure. I have a 12 quart tub, should I move her to that one or leave her in the 32 quart, since she's eating good? The only problem I've had with her in this tub is that she rarely moves from her warm hide (88-91 degrees). It might be because it's hard to keep the cool side temperatures up (cool side between 71-75. I know it is low, but unless I keep my room like 100 degrees, i can't get it to raise anymore. suggestions?), or it may be that she doesn't want to roam her enclosure. I'm not for sure, but the only thing about the 12 quart tub is that i won't be able to fit 2 hide boxes in there, and I know they don't need 2, but I think she should be able to hide on either side. Any suggestions that you guys have would be helpful, and if you have any more questions, I will answer you.

-Thanks

BTW: the heat mat I'm using is 6"x8".

[jsmorphs2]

Sounds like she is doing just fine in the 32qt tub. You can try insulating the 32 to help get the cool side up a bit. What type of heat are you using for the tub?

[BOWSER11788]

think he said uth 6x8

[ceca2015]

My name's Jessica, too! lol, and I'm using a UTH 6x8, which might be a little small. What do you mean by insulating it? I live where it is pretty humid, and its spring, and the humidity is staying high, so i can't really cover it or anything, because the tub needs airflow. I have a bunch of holes drilled in the sides and it keeps the tub's humidity at 65-70% most of the time, and I don't ever have to mist it. She's kept on paper towels as substrate, so I don't think this percentage of humidity will do any harm like scale rot or molding. and I open the tub everyday to let fresh air flow in there.

I got off topic, tho. haha. Sorry about that.

[jsmorphs2]

think he said uth 6x8

Haha, thanks, totally missed that.


To the OP, you could get a second small uth for the front on a separate thermostat and run it so the cool end is a little higher. Or if you can, move the uth towards the cool side a bit. Getting a bigger uth may work too to bump up the cool side but make sure it's on a thermostat and the hot spot doesn't get too hot. You might have to try a few things to tweak it.

You can find foam type shelf liner at hardware stores to use as insulation around the outside of the tub. It's not super effective but it helps a bit.

[ceca2015]

Yea, I was thinking a bigger UTH... this one is a little small. Which is why I thought moving to the small tub would raise temps (less space to heat). I do have the UTH on a thermostat btw. I forgot to mention that.

[jsmorphs2]

Yea, I was thinking a bigger UTH... this one is a little small. Which is why I thought moving to the small tub would raise temps (less space to heat). I do have the UTH on a thermostat btw. I forgot to mention that.

Yeah, moving her the the 12 might be a good idea until you can tweak the 32. That uth should heat it well.

[ceca2015]

Is one hide okay then?

[jsmorphs2]

Is one hide okay then?

It should be. If she starts to refuse meals you might want to try to find two smaller hides that will fit in the 12. Sounds like she is a good eater though so it shouldn't be an issue.

[hig]

The great thing about paper towels/paper is that they can use it as a hide and go from hot to cool side while under the paper lol. I wouldn't hesitate to house her in the 12q with one hide, water dish and paper substrate if you think it would suit your needs better. (assuming the 12q is the type that is about 6inches tall). That size would work for many months, and after she gets larger u can always remove the single hide to give her more room to move and stretch. 32q maybe when she is about 900-1000grams. Good luck with whichever u decide!