Preparing for a baby BRB

[beastul]

I'm hoping to pick up a baby BRB in a couple weeks and I want to have the enclosure all setup and perfect for him.

I've been reading basically all the care sheets I can find and am still torn as far as tub vs tank with plexi top.
I guess I would prefer a tank (currently have a corn and a king in tanks) I like the look of them but I want to do what's best for the snake.

Also I'm having a hard time finding what size tub is best.

As far as tanks, I currently have empty 10, 20, and 30 gallons. To which I'd make a custom plexi top.

I plan on building an custom viv for when he's an adult. But I don't want to stress him with too much room right away.

Thanks for the help!

[exwizard]

You are doing the right thing with the research you've been doing and yes, if you're going to use a tank, a plexi lid is much better for keeping the humidity inside than a screen lid will ever be. Some other ideas for keeping the humidity up is use a large water bowl and place it directly over the heat source. That will allow more moisture to get into the air due to faster eveaporation. Also consider a moist hide as another option or even a combination of the above. Personally, my BRBs are in tubs as the plastic does a much better job at retaining humidity than glass does. Of course you can use glass tanks but that will require you to keep a closer eye on the humidity levels and may require regular misting to make sure those levels are up. With BRBs the humidity levels need to be at least 85% to prevent them from being dehydrated.

BRBs are some of the most beautiful snakes around with their bright red and orange colors as well as their patterns. Even the Normals, IMO, are prettier than a lot of snakes that are different morphs. You will enjoy yours very much. I know I sure do.

[Rainbowsrus]

For my customers that use glass tanks in addition to the plexi lid I recommend they wrap three sides of the tank with insulation like Reflectix. This will help keep the heat from escaping through those three sides and make a better, less exposed environment for the BRB.

[Strutter769]

Thanks for the great tip on Reflectix, Dave.

[Snakesitter]

First, congrats on picking an awesome species.

Second, kudos for doing your research beforehand. Too many people buy first, and only then ask questions.

As for enclosure type...I prefer vivs over tubs. Between a glass tank and a tub, so long as you can keep an eye on the humidity and temp, I'd probably go with the tank/plexi lid. Even the ten gallon should be fine for a baby, though more space is always better. Remember, it's not the extra space that makes a baby snake nervous, it's the lack of places to hide: so the larger tank you use, the more hiding places you should offer. Remember to make at least one hide a moist moss one.

Good luck!

[beastul]

Thanks for your help!
Here he is! He's actually 8 months old and very sweet - I love him already! I named him Dio :D

He is very blue so it'll be like Christmas when he sheds!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8179302133_1c7244aa79.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8179302251_2a3764ca65.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8179302385_acfd349f6a.jpg

[EmbraceCalamity]

Oooh, congrats! :)

~Maggot

[Snakesitter]

Happy to help any time, Beastul. Congrats on the new arrival. And welcome Dio!!!