Tub size for hatchlings

[Jody7454]

Hi,

I'm planning to build my own rack to house some hatchling ball pythons. I read on the net that a 6 quart sterilite tub is the ideal size, but I'm concerned about maintaining a heat gradiant in such a small tub. I'd like some advice about what tub size works best and how the temps are maintained.

Thanks

[Kmef07]

put flexwatt heat tape under the tubs or on the back wall and you don't have to worry much about a heat gradient for hatchlings. hook a good thermostat up to the heat tape and measure the temp inside one of the tubs to get an idea on where to set the thermostat and that should do it. the depending on the room temp you might not need to get the heat tape very hot and then that would create a small gradient. it would be warmer towards the heat tape. put water in the tanks so the snakes can cool down and set the thermometer so the temps inside the tubs reach about 83-84 i would say away from the heat tape and then the heat tape side would be warmer like 90 or so i would guess. but it will take some playing around with to get the temps right. adhere the thermostat to the heat tape directly though you will set the heat tape hotter to get the temp in the tubs up though.