Tub question

Sharlynn93 · 12-08-13, 05:57 PM

ok, I have never used a tub for a snake, so need some advice....I am POSSIBLY getting my husband a baby brazilian rainbow that he has been oogling over for the last month for christmas...right now she is at a pet store in a 20 long with a screen lid with a heat lamp so i KNOW she isn't getting the right humidity and temps, so I think a tub would be best for her...what I have "on hand" is a 58qt sterilite tub (no locking hinges on the lid) what would I need to do to it to make it a temporary habitat? or should I get one that has the locking hinges? is it ok to use a heat mat? (would have to order a thermostat online which would take a week but would a smaller heat mat for now be ok? looking to possibly get the snake tomorrow or the next day to make sure it doesn't get sold before I can get it for him...) figured possibly making a thick layer of substrate to knock down the surface heat? would that work as a very temporary solution?

Terranaut · 12-09-13, 05:09 AM

If you keep an eye on all your temps I would think a week or so in that tub will be like an oasis compared to the pet store. As far as the tub I would personally get one with a locking lid. Someone posted something about Sterilite tubs being on sale a few weeks ago. Might be worth a look. Good luck.

kwhitlock · 12-09-13, 06:16 AM

For my BRB I personally prefer the tub. He will eventually be put in an PVC enclosure soon, wasn't sure on which brand. But I couldn't imagine any other way to try and keep the humidity up enough in anything else tbh.

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 07:02 AM

what do you use for heat? i keep reading to not use heat mats on plastic... :/

**Pareeeee** · 12-09-13, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

what do you use for heat? i keep reading to not use heat mats on plastic... :/

I use heat mats. The important thing is to have them on thermostats. That way your snake and plastic are safe from burning. I would not use an unregulated heat mat on a tub...or anything.

Yeah, one of those tubs with the hinges is what you need. Like these:

Notice that the sides don't have hinges? A snake can escape by pushing the lid up in those spots. I bought large binder clips to secure the sides.

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 07:46 AM

ok

should I have one that has some height to it? and how far above the substrate do I drill ventilation holes? any tips for drilling into plastic without cracking?

formica · 12-09-13, 07:54 AM

heat mat + thermostat, with plastic, is better than any other heating solution, and safer, than for eg heat lamp/ceramic on plastic

you probably dont need to drill any holes for a BRB because you want very high humidity, unless the tub is water and air tight (highly unlikley...but worth checking) it wont suffocate

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 08:04 AM

thermostat is ordered, will be here friday at the latest...will the mini heat mat (i believe it is 4 watt) be warm enough? or go the next size up?

formica · 12-09-13, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

thermostat is ordered, will be here friday at the latest...will the mini heat mat (i believe it is 4 watt) be warm enough? or go the next size up?

how big is it and how big is the tub? aim for the mat to cover at least 1/3 of the floor

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 08:21 AM

tub is 23"x16"...mini mat is only 4x5...small is 6x8...would probably at least need a small...i don't want to spend a fortune on a heat mat when this tub will probably only be used for a few months until we get something more permanent for it...

formica · 12-09-13, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

tub is 23"x16"...mini mat is only 4x5...small is 6x8...would probably at least need a small...i don't want to spend a fortune on a heat mat when this tub will probably only be used for a few months until we get something more permanent for it...

6x8 will do, thats 1/3 of 23x16

some people will go upto 1/2 the size, so 12x8 - cant hurt, heat mats are re-useable and inexpensive, the BRB will soon grow

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 08:26 AM

would I be able to tape it on instead of using the adhesive? I was told you couldn't remove them once they were stuck on...

kwhitlock · 12-09-13, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

would I be able to tape it on instead of using the adhesive? I was told you couldn't remove them once they were stuck on...

Cover the sticky part of the heat mat with aluminum foil. Gives better heat transfer and makes it reusable!

Sharlynn93 · 12-09-13, 08:32 AM

then use what to adhere it? electrical tape?

kwhitlock · 12-09-13, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

then use what to adhere it? electrical tape?

I use duck tape with no issues. Others I have heard is aluminum tape adn postage tape