Question from a new guy

[lpnaz480]

i haven't had a problem w/ the rbi cages. came just the way described. haven't had any temp problems other than fauly thermometer, which is a different story. holds humidity well. no need for foil wrappiing or extra work in my opnion i like it.

[TexasGuy]

the tubs are not all what they seem to be or what people make them to be. i tried one because my tank was a headache. the results were the same as a tank. i only have one bp. i went and bought a tub and some heat tape and hides for the tub thinking my hum. issues and heat issues were solved. well i was wrong. the heat was just as bad as it was on the tank and so was the hum. tubs are for people that have more than a couple of snakes and keep them in a room at an constant ambient temp of atleast 80.

The room I plan to keep the tub in is not 80 degrees. Is that a problem? I thought it was just a matter of keeping the enclosure at a certain temp?

[southb]

I use the rubbermaid tubs in my rack and I love them. But I also has a sterlite rack. The rubbermaid is built better in my opinon but I've never had a single one get out.

[MUSTANGGTANDGSXR]

The room I plan to keep the tub in is not 80 degrees. Is that a problem? I thought it was just a matter of keeping the enclosure at a certain temp?

you are right, but ambient temps need to be 80f-85f. and you cannot have a che unless you modify the cover and make a hole to heat the ambient, which defeats the whole purpose of doing a tub. unless you have multiple snakes and they are housed in a room that is 80f-85f, it would be the same headache as a tank. an uth will not help with ambient temps

[TexasGuy]

what's a che?

[MUSTANGGTANDGSXR]

ceramic heat emmiter

[Inknsteel]

From my experience (2 snakes, 2 tubs, and the room does NOT keep a constant temp), tubs are MUCH easier to maintain consistent temps and humidity. If the humidity is a little low, use a bigger (surface area, not deeper) water dish, move it towards the warm side, and cover a couple holes until you achieve the optimal humidity. If you cover 1/3 of the tub with the under tank heat, you can use aluminum tape or foil on the bottom (outside) of the tub which will dissipate the heat throughout the tub and will keep your cool side temps where they need to be... I can keep my bps in a room that stays approx 70 degrees and maintain the temps I need... Humidity is a breeze in the tub though...

[TexasGuy]

Ok, so let's say I have the 41 Qt Iris tub. What are the best choices for heating?

[ARamos8]

I like the tubs. Start looking for plans on how to build racks. You just can't stop at 1. lol

[Inknsteel]

Ok, so let's say I have the 41 Qt Iris tub. What are the best choices for heating?

You could go with a foot of 11" Flexwatt which would cover approximately 1/3 of the bottom of the tub. You would generally have to order that online. You could also go with a medium Under Tank Heater that you can pick up at a local pet store, but those are generally going to be more expensive... Either route you go, you will NEED a thermostat to control the heat, or it will get TOO hot for the snake... But I strongly recommend that either one be attached to the bottom of the tub (outside) with aluminum tape that will cover the entire bottom of the tub... That will allow the heat to radiate through the aluminum, keeping your cool side warmer than room temp as well as creating a gradient across the length of the tub...