Tub heating???

[Libitina]

Ok, so I'm going to get a new ball python soon, we already have one in a 40 gal tank. I think I am going to put the new one in a tub though because I have read that they are much easier to keep up and move, etc. Plus they are easier on the wallet!
I just want to know how you heat a tub? The tub will not be in a rack, will just have the lid. Should I use heat tape? or is there a better way?
Thanks!

[SatanicIntention]

What size tub? If a 15qt, I'd use a 1ft piece of 4" flexwatt, if a 27 to 32qt tub, then use a 1ft piece of 11" flexwatt. ALWAYS use a good digital thermostat, never anything from the pet store. Even a dimmer from the hardware store would be more reliable than something from Petmart/Co.

Johnson Controls and Rancos are good digital thermostats that won't break the bank. Plus they can handle up to 1500 watts, just in case you get more snakes later on

[spaceturtle]

That is all good advice.

However, one thing I would recommend is that instead of going with flexwatt, give the Ultratherm a look first. I like how it doesn't get as hot and its much, much more durable. I've personally had flexwatt arrive damaged just from being mailed to me. Price isn't much different compared to flexwatt. I'd only vote flexwatt if you were heating more than 1 tub.

And if you're putting this tub in a room that goes below 75 ambient, then I'd recommend spending the extra cash for a Radient Heat Panel instead of going with an UTH setup. Either that or a 2nd UTH controlled to be lower than the other side. But by then, it's just as pricey. This at least keeps you at 1 thermostat per enclosure.

[Libitina]

Thank you for the suggestions! I am thinking about getting the iris cb-75 tub (22 3/10"W x 37 3/10"L x 6 4/5"H). which size of ultratherm would work best for this size of tub?
Thanks!

[SatanicIntention]

If you're getting a baby, go with a small tub. The 41qt would freak a tiny baby out. Now, a snake that is around 1000g would usually be fine in a 41qt.

Babies under 500g go in 6qts
juvies 500-1000g go in 15qts
subadults/adult males go in 32qts
adult females go in 41qts

Works well and no one fasts or is stressed.

And use the flexwatt. Whoever shipped the flexwatt to you didn't know how to pack it. www.reptilebasics.com ships it to you rolled up so it won't get damaged and it's padded well in the box. I've never received damaged flexwatt and I've bought too much of it really... Flexwatt is $3.40 a foot for 11" and ultratherm pads are quite a bit higher than that. I'll go with the flexwatt any day.

But you do need a good digital thermostat. If your room temp goes too low, cover the tub with a blanket, and don't put too many holes in the tub.

[spaceturtle]

Thank you for the suggestions! I am thinking about getting the iris cb-75 tub (22 3/10"W x 37 3/10"L x 6 4/5"H). which size of ultratherm would work best for this size of tub?
Thanks!

You want your heat to cover at least 1/4 of the tub, but never more than 1/3. Pick whichever size is closest to that.

And use the flexwatt. Whoever shipped the flexwatt to you didn't know how to pack it. www.reptilebasics.com ships it to you rolled up so it won't get damaged and it's padded well in the box. I've never received damaged flexwatt and I've bought too much of it really... Flexwatt is $3.40 a foot for 11" and ultratherm pads are quite a bit higher than that. I'll go with the flexwatt any day.

The damaged flexwatt I received was actually from Reptile Basics. It came rolled up but was sorta shoved into the box, causing it crease I'm sure this was an exception and not the rule, but after using both, I definitely can see the Ultratherm is thicker and more durable. Flexwatt is very easy to bend and will be permanently damaged if that happens. And when you factor the cost of flexwatt, don't forget the $5 for the clips/wiring. So its about $9 compared to $15 for the Ultratherm.

I'd say the durability and piece of mind from knowing it won't cook your snake as badly if the thermostat malfunctions, is worth the extra $6. In my opinion, of course.

[SatanicIntention]

Um, cooking your snake is cooking your snake hun, regardless of the heating element. It's all equally bad.

A 12' cord from Home Depot costs me $1.49(thereabouts). I solder all of my connections because the clips are worthless. Solder is extremely cheap and will hold the connection for years. All you have to do is ASK Rich to solder the connections and he will. You just have to buy the cord.

And why never more than 1/3 of the tub? I cover up to 3/4 of the tub if I need to to get proper temps in quarantine tubs, and it works fine. As long as they have a place to cool down, it is okay.

How many Ball Pythons do you have??

[spaceturtle]

In my experience, Ultratherm runs much cooler without a thermostat controlling it. In a worst case scenario where my thermostat fails, I'd much rather it fail on Ultratherm.

Also, the warm end is supposed to be a basking area. Having 75% of your enclosure at a basking temp just seems excessive to me. There may be exceptions to where this is necessary, but I can't think of any.

[Libitina]

with UTHs, what surface does the tub need to be on. Can it be set on wood or carpet or does it need to be lifted up or on a different type of surface to avoid fire hazards? thanks!

[spaceturtle]

I like to secure my tape directly to the tub using foil tape and then lift the tub off the ground by using sticky furniture pads in each corner. The type of surface below doesn't really matter. Carpet would work but the furniture pads might just sink into it and not give you any clearance. Just make sure you have a good digital thermostat. This gives you the piece of mind that your setup never gets any higher than your own body temp. Very few carpets have been engulfed in flames when I lay on them Be sure to secure the probe VERY WELL to the actual tape itself and you'll be fine. In the even that a thermostat fails, my setup will max out at 110 degrees. Your milage may vary on that though. You may want to test it like I did (without the snake of course!)