Tanks vs tubs?

[Ditto]

Okay, so my bp is currently in a 10 gallon tank and I've been wanting to upgrade him to a larger tub in the future. Problem is, I saw that thread a while ago of someone who moved their bp into a rack after being in a tank for most of it's life that started to rub itself raw trying to get to the light, and I have to admit it freaked me out a bit.
Now, I know I could get a clear tub to avoid that issue but it got me thinking about the pros and cons of tubs and tanks as a whole, so I was wondering what everyone's opinions are on this topic? Especially people who've tried both methods, but all opinions are appreciated!

[tttaylorrr]

light generally stresses ball pythons out, as they are a nocturnal species. i find it hard to believe the OP knew the snake wanted light; that goes against their nature. the rubbing behavior was likely a result of incorrect husbandry.

tubs are fantastic. ive kept beeps in glass tanks for over 3 years but once i made the switch to tubs and a rack system their behavior and eating responses were much more positive.

i was originally against tubs and racks due to ignorance, but im so so glad ive made the switch. literally just fed everyone in their new adult (41qt) rack tonight; everyone ate.

[Ditto]

light generally stresses ball pythons out, as they are a nocturnal species. i find it hard to believe the OP knew the snake wanted light; that goes against their nature. the rubbing behavior was likely a result of incorrect husbandry.

tubs are fantastic. ive kept beeps in glass tanks for over 3 years but once i made the switch to tubs and a rack system their behavior and eating responses were much more positive.

i was originally against tubs and racks due to ignorance, but im so so glad ive made the switch. literally just fed everyone in their new adult (41qt) rack tonight; everyone ate.

Sorry, I should've been more specific when referencing that other thread, I believe the OP wasn't sure what was causing it and other people responded saying that MAY have been what was causing it, I don't know if that was definitely the cause but it still scared me a bit haha

[tttaylorrr]

Sorry, I should've been more specific when referencing that other thread, I believe the OP wasn't sure what was causing it and other people responded saying that MAY have been what was causing it, I don't know if that was definitely the cause but it still scared me a bit haha

hey no worries! idk what thread you're referencing (haven't been on much lately) so im just guessing.

ironically, i just read a thread about someone having their first rack and immediately seeing a positive difference in feeding response and behavior.

do a bit more research if you're still feeling apprehensive about tubs/racks and please ask any more questions you might have!

[Armiyana]

A lot of it is personal preference.

Proper Husbandry is the main concern regardless of what you house your noodle in. Making sure the temps and humidity are good while making sure there is a sense of security for the snake.

My oldest girl is 18. Half of her life was in a tub. The last half has been in a nice big tank. She does well. She's only fussy about food and will only eat live. Activity and such doesn't bother her and she will come out to explore from time to time

Out of my three yearlings, one is a spitfire. She has to be housed in a tub because she will strike at everything and anything that moves. Initially I had her in an exo-terra, she's my fancy girl I wanted to have in a nice display tank...but then had to cover her it with a blanket as she decided to coil up on a driftwood branch and play angry tree python at anything moving. Her tub has made it much easier to deal with as she cannot see what's going on.

The tubs can be a bit easier to maintain humidity on, a big plus.
But if you really want to show a snake off, obviously the visibility sucks.

Choose what you want! But do right by the snake is the most important part!

[Jakethesnake69]

For me I have my BPs in tanks with most of the tank covered in foam board. Just one side is open for viewing. The tanks are big but have enough stuff in them to avoid to much open space. I should be able to get a decent amount of use as they grow.
I have my Boas in tubs and the biggest reason is they will increase in size dramatically and for now it seems like a great the way to go. As they grow I can upgrade tubs until they reach a size I can buy the forever home.
My plans are eventually putting them all in PVC enclosures.

[chakup]

I went from tanks, to AP cages now to tubs. By far snakes are eating and shedding better than ever before.

[Zincubus]

A lot of it is personal preference.

Proper Husbandry is the main concern regardless of what you house your noodle in. Making sure the temps and humidity are good while making sure there is a sense of security for the snake.

My oldest girl is 18. Half of her life was in a tub. The last half has been in a nice big tank. She does well. She's only fussy about food and will only eat live. Activity and such doesn't bother her and she will come out to explore from time to time

Out of my three yearlings, one is a spitfire. She has to be housed in a tub because she will strike at everything and anything that moves. Initially I had her in an exo-terra, she's my fancy girl I wanted to have in a nice display tank...but then had to cover her it with a blanket as she decided to coil up on a driftwood branch and play angry tree python at anything moving. Her tub has made it much easier to deal with as she cannot see what's going on.

The tubs can be a bit easier to maintain humidity on, a big plus.
But if you really want to show a snake off, obviously the visibility sucks.

Choose what you want! But do right by the snake is the most important part!

You make some great points .... shame about your display snake not doing well in the tank /viv but at least it's settled now .

I've only ever used tanks and vivs and never had any issues with any of my Royals ...so it can be achieved with most of them .
Sure with tubs it's easier to keep the humidity levels right but humidity can be controlled / adjusted in tanks and vivs - it's just a little harder .


All my snakes including 3 Royals are in lovely , landscaped vivs and do really well feeding and shedding perfectly... so it can be achieved .

At my peak I had 24 display snakes all species/types and can't imagine not being able to watch and observe them ...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Armiyana]

You make some great points .... shame about your display snake not doing well in the tank /viv but at least it's settled now .

I really hope she mellows out with age. I'd love to move her to a nice tank later on. She's slowed down a bit with the security of being in a tub the last 2 months, but she will still make a point to come out of her hide and try to strike when I do take too long when I peek in for wellness checks or water topoffs.
I just don't want to risk her injuring her nose because I want a pretty tank snake. So for now she's my grumpy tub noodle. X3

And I agree! The proper humidity in the tanks can be done. And in multiple ways. It just is a noticeable difference with the tubs... though that can be a drawback as well. Cause if you don't spot check tubs often enough you can get some nasty bacteria or fungal buildup in the bedding and risk a URI to them as well. The tank routines can keep it from reaching that point as quickly.

[distaff]

Back when I first started, I lost a tiny King hatchling that escaped out of a shoe box tub. I've tried them again on occasion with other animals, but personally, I just never trust the flexibility of plastic tubs. They obviously work better with a rack ceiling, but if you are just using the tub and it's latching top, there aren't a lot of good ways to conveniently secure that top - at least to my satisfaction.

I worry less with a glass tank. Glass tanks come as small as 5-gal, which completely covered and insulated, is working well for my BP hatchling. He has eaten twice for me, no problems.