Christmas Boa Heat Concerns

[Evenstar]

The temp in the room stays around 70 (no insulation and this is what we achieve with the space heater on max) but the heattape is coming in the same box with her so I don't know the temp.

I have a 18 gallon sterilite tote I could use if I could find a way to secure the lid without destroying the tote. Where would I put air holes, around the top? I was told that heat tape would melt through plastic totes, though. I may have $15 left after I go get our wedding license and can probably get the 32qt if so. I can destroy the one I purchase as needed. What about those underbed totes? Or are those too shallow and too hard to heat the entire thing?

I apologize, Salamander, I didn't mean to come off as rude. I'm looking for ambient heat, I have belly heat covered.

70-ish room temp is fine for a tub appropriately heated with flexwatt on the thermostat. The Hydrofarm is fine. If the flexwatt is set for 90, it will raise the ambient air in the tub enough to be comfortable for your snake - just place the tub away from drafts.

If the flexwatt is controlled with a t-stat, it will NOT melt the plastic. Rack systems are tubs on flexwatt controlled with a t-stat.

How many holes you punch into it depends on the humidity. Start with 3-4 on both the long sides and add more if needed.

18 gallons sounds big. We measure the tub sizes in quarts. You'd be best off buying a 32 QUART tub. You won't destroy the tub other then punching in the air holes. I don't like the underbed tubs - they are too flat and the lids are not secure in the middle. The lid will snap on securely enough for a baby boa on a 32 qt tub. There is a reason specific tubs are recommended over others and tubs in general over other methods.

I am a bit concerned about the breeder not being available. Is your money already in hand there? I'm also skeptical you are actually getting a CA BCI with that 8 FT Dam and even a 5 Ft sire. I'm not saying impossible, but a bit odd for the CA boas to be that large. It sounds like you agree.

Usually a good breeder will contact you a day or 2 before they send you the animal to make sure you are all ready

I also agree 100% with Gio on this....