BRB Height Room

[KingPum]

Hey all! I'm going to the reptile super show shindig in San Diego this weekend, so I'm about to set up the enclosure so it's ready for the new addition to the family :]

I'm planning on getting a small Brazilian rainbow boa. I've already read through the care sheets but I wanted to see what you guys had to say about keeping him in a sterlite container that has a bunch of floor space but is pretty low. Would that work if I took him out frequently? So he could get out all of his climbing.

Also, would you guys suggest buying most of the equipment (thermostat, heating pad) at the show since it will be cheaper?

[coldbloodaddict]

I keep BRB's in racks...My adults are in Vision CB-70 Racks.

I've never kept one in a tub with a lid though...Make sure to secure it well or he'll be gone!

I think it would be better to have everything setup before you get the snake...

[Jakob]

KingPum, when i had 3 ball pythons, i used 3 Sterilite tubs. at first i was wondering about the height too, but it wasnt an issue. i did notice when i fed my BP's and left the lid off...they always used the extra height to help gulp down a mouse. maybe only 1 or 2 inches though.

i know a lot of people that use the wal-mart sterilite tubs. when you go to make holes in the lid, (which is very secure and i never had a snake escape) be VERY careful if you are going to drill holes. i broke two lids trying to drill holes. the plastic on the lids are very quick to shatter and crack. i saw on this forum AFTER i did that about a guy having the same problem. he said he was very successful using a soldering gun and melting little holes in the lid. this worked like a charm. if you must drill holes, use a piece of wood under the lid as a backer and BE CAREFUL. you have to buy a whole sterilite tub again just to get the lid. just to let you know, i used the sterilite tub that had the clamping handles on each side with the clear lid. i used an Under the Tank heat pad that stuck well to the bottom of the tub.

you can pick up an under the tank heat pad (UTH) from the Herp show you are going to for a good price.

[ncbloods]

i know a lot of people that use the wal-mart sterilite tubs. when you go to make holes in the lid, (which is very secure and i never had a snake escape) be VERY careful if you are going to drill holes. i broke two lids trying to drill holes. the plastic on the lids are very quick to shatter and crack. i saw on this forum AFTER i did that about a guy having the same problem. he said he was very successful using a soldering gun and melting little holes in the lid. this worked like a charm. if you must drill holes, use a piece of wood under the lid as a backer and BE CAREFUL.

Yea, definitely buy a soldering iron. Makes the job a lot easier and not nearly as messy. You can get one from your local auto parts store for like 6 bucks.

[KingPum]

Thanks for the responses guys :] I went out and bought a soldering iron and butane at Home Depot for $17 @_@ I'm going to get that acurite thing at Lowes tonight too!

[Ballpython2]

Hey all! I'm going to the reptile super show shindig in San Diego this weekend, so I'm about to set up the enclosure so it's ready for the new addition to the family :]

I'm planning on getting a small Brazilian rainbow boa. I've already read through the care sheets but I wanted to see what you guys had to say about keeping him in a sterlite container that has a bunch of floor space but is pretty low. Would that work if I took him out frequently? So he could get out all of his climbing.

Also, would you guys suggest buying most of the equipment (thermostat, heating pad) at the show since it will be cheaper?

honestly you dont need a thermostat because i dont use one for my BRB or my Ball python and they do just fine no burns or nothing of the sort. but if it will give you a piece of mind then yes get one.

And i think a sterlite container will be fine because my BRB never climbs anything ever and I have it in a 20 gallon tank. and its a baby juvenile.

Actually all it does is burrow under the cypress mulch.

[jglass38]

You absolutely need a thermostat to control the temps.

[littleindiangirl]

Yes, what Jamie said... BRB's don't do well with high temps, and not having a thermostat is asking for trouble.

[Ballpython2]

Yes, what Jamie said... BRB's don't do well with high temps, and not having a thermostat is asking for trouble.

So how high do these reptizone heat mats actually get?

I'm not trying to cause issues with anyone.

I'm just wondering how high they actually get.

I'm wondering because it doesnt say on the directions of the reptizone that you NEED to use it with a thermostat it just says you can if you wanted to.

So can someone please fill me in some more so I can be fully educated?

Thanks very much I appreciate it. John

[jglass38]

So how high do these reptizone heat mats actually get?

I'm not trying to cause issues with anyone.

I'm just wondering how high they actually get.

I'm wondering because it doesnt say on the directions of the reptizone that you NEED to use it with a thermostat it just says you can if you wanted to.

So can someone please fill me in some more so I can be fully educated?

Thanks very much I appreciate it. John

Probably upwards on 115 degrees which is enough to fry your snake. I don't use brand name heat mats but with Flexwatt I have tested it uncontrolled. 3" got to more than 120 degrees and I believe 11" was even higher. Bottom line is that any heat source unregulated by a thermostat (ideally proportional but on/off works too) or rheostat/dimmer is dangerous. This isn't limited to UTHs either. I use a heat lamp for my Uromastyx lizard. I run it unregulated because he is a desert lizard and needs a high basking area temp. It reaches 120-125 degrees on the basking area which is about 18" from the heat source. Hope this all helps a little!