This will open up a great discussion!

As I understand things, there are four options for a snake keeper: a stand alone plastic tub, a rack system, a glass tank, and a reptile cage.

I have four rack systems and 6 reptile cages, all purchased from RBI. I am very happy with all of the products.

That said, I have noticed differences in the snakes in cages and the snakes in tubs:
-Snakes in cages have far greater opportunity to thermoregulate
-Snakes in cages have far greater opportunities for movement
-Snakes in cages can get away from their feces until morning when I clean them
-Snakes in cages eat as well as the snakes in the tubs... a lot of time, better.

However, and this is a big one, smaller snakes do better in smaller tubs, generally speaking. (Also, the individual snake's sense of security needs to be taken into account.)

I have a couple of snakes who might never go into a large cage-- they are just more comfortable in cramped quarters. I also have had young snakes go into the cages and thrive. It just all depends on the snake.

As for thermal gradients, I don't feel that there is enough of a gradient for a larger snake in a tub-- at least in a 32qt tub.

Anyway, there are just my thoughts and I'm sure others will have different, or similar, thoughts and experiences