Tank or Tub?!

[thinkbig317]

While I know something like a boaphile or AP cage is the optimum choice for an enclosure, I was always a tank (if properly done up) over tub guy. However, for whatever reason I'm starting to have a change of heart. I have a 7 month old BCI in a 30 gallon tank at the moment (which I maintain temps and humidity just fine mind you). Should I switch to a tub until I can afford something like a boaphile or AP cage?? If so, what kind of tub and how do I properly set it up. Pics and advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Terranaut]

I say tub but I also like to display my snakes so if I was doing a tub I would replace one side with either glass or plexiglass so you could see in.

[MizCandice]

If its not broke... :)
If your temps are good hes eating etc.. why not leave him be until you have the dough for the new set up?

[Starbuck]

i used tubs for a while while i was in the process of moving, i had no issues with them other than i personally doubted their security, so had books stacked on the lids.
My CP is currently in a large tub laying on its side, so the lid is facing out rather than at the top. This helps me get to her in a non-threatening way, as I'm coming from the side not the top. It would be very easy to add a clear panel into the lid like Terranaut mentioned. Its pretty crazy to think that for a collection of 10 snakes, you could get 10 tub enclosures for about 80$ total…. vs 100+ EACH!! for a 'professional' enclosure. I did end up switching mine to melamine front opening style cages, but i kept the tubs for when i have to move again.

I sold all my old tanks for 1$/gallon on craigslist, and was able to buy the tubs and some new cage furniture and bedding with that money. very cost effective.

[thinkbig317]

@ MizCandice - Your absolutley right. Why change if I don't need to right?!?! In the end, I just want what's best for the animal. But since I do not have a professional enclosure, my raging OCD kicks in and I start second guessing myself. Which is why I turn to you, more experienced peeps.

@ Terranut & Starbuck - Thanks for your input. If I where to switch, what size tub would I get? My boa is still relatively small. Also, how many holes would I need to puncture for ventilation? Heat pad goes right on the plastic (seems dangerous even with therm.)??

[sharthun]

@ MizCandice - Your absolutley right. Why change if I don't need to right?!?! In the end, I just want what's best for the animal. But since I do not have a professional enclosure, my raging OCD kicks in and I start second guessing myself. Which is why I turn to you, more experienced peeps.

@ Terranut & Starbuck - Thanks for your input. If I where to switch, what size tub would I get? My boa is still relatively small. Also, how many holes would I need to puncture for ventilation? Heat pad goes right on the plastic (seems dangerous even with therm.)??

Drives ya crazy I'll tell ya! And I identify with the OCD!! lol I'm playing musical aquariums until my mbk and black milk get grow enough for enclosures from Constrictors Northwest.

[thinkbig317]

Drives ya crazy I'll tell ya! And I identify with the OCD!! lol I'm playing musical aquariums until my mbk and black milk get grow enough for enclosures from Constrictors Northwest.

Crazy indeed! Then I drive my wife crazy....NOT good! haha

[sharthun]

Crazy indeed! Then I drive my wife crazy....NOT good! haha

Sounds like my house! lol My wife is always asking why did you do that?:D

[Snakesitter]

I'm a full enclosure guy. While tubs do have their uses -- new arrivals, snakes for sale, etc. -- I feel keeper animals deserve the extra room and stability a full enclosure provides them. While some do use tubs responsibly (including, I'm sure, everyone commenting here), there are also many people who use tubs as an excuse to cram in more animals than they normally could. (Again, let me emphasize I'm not criticizing anyone here...just stating wehat I've seen elsewhere in the industry over the years.)

[thinkbig317]

I'm a full enclosure guy. While tubs do have their uses -- new arrivals, snakes for sale, etc. -- I feel keeper animals deserve the extra room and stability a full enclosure provides them. While some do use tubs responsibly (including, I'm sure, everyone commenting here), there are also many people who use tubs as an excuse to cram in more animals than they normally could. (Again, let me emphasize I'm not criticizing anyone here...just stating wehat I've seen elsewhere in the industry over the years.)

Well put and I agree.

[Terranaut]

I would never use a tub unless it was the appropriate size. Racks I find to be more for cramming in snakes, not tubs.

[Snakesitter]

Racks are often abused, I agree. The problem is that when most multiple-snake owners say tubs, they mean rack-mounted tubs (at least in my experience). :-( Cheers to those who do not!!!

[nick654377]

I personally tried going with a rack system and I did not like it because living in an apartment I had to keep my temps up way too high. It was not a comfortable living experience for myself so it lasted a week and I bought 2 ap cages and now im up to 4 ap cages and a vision. I will never go another route other than apcages.com

[Mr. Bacon]

I do not have a snake yet, but I plan to in the near future, I have been debating this as well, I am planning on getting a BRB and I currently have a 30 gallon tall glass tank I was given for cheap along with some basic furnishings. However I realize that this does nto maximize surface area for a growing snake. That being said I have entertained the idea of a larger storage type tub turned enclosure. I would like to see into it and thus would replace one of the sides or top with plexiglass. Has anyone done this before? How would you go about adhering the plexi to the plastic without any risk of harm to the animal?

[CosmicOwl]

For baby snakes, I think tubs are the right idea. They're easy to move, clean and modify.

If you do decide to get a tub, and you live in the US, go to Walmart and look for the Ziplock Weathtight tubs/totes. I bought one of these for my new baby bloodred corn snake, and it works really well. There are four latches and the inside of the lid has a ring of foam that I think would make it nearly impossible for a snake to escape.

[jarich]

I'm a full enclosure guy. While tubs do have their uses -- new arrivals, snakes for sale, etc. -- I feel keeper animals deserve the extra room and stability a full enclosure provides them. While some do use tubs responsibly (including, I'm sure, everyone commenting here), there are also many people who use tubs as an excuse to cram in more animals than they normally could. (Again, let me emphasize I'm not criticizing anyone here...just stating wehat I've seen elsewhere in the industry over the years.)

Couldnt agree more

[CK SandBoas]

For my Sand Boas, I keep them in rack systems, in tubs, while my larger animals are in full enclosures... so i'm a believer in using both, as both fit my needs and preferences, if that makes sense :)

[millertime89]

For my Sand Boas, I keep them in rack systems, in tubs, while my larger animals are in full enclosures... so i'm a believer in using both, as both fit my needs and preferences, if that makes sense :)

This, 100%.

[Snakesitter]

Hi Mr. Bacon! Brazilians are wonderful snakes; I both keep and breed them. A glass tank can work, but requires modification to ensure it meets the species' temperature and humidity requirements. A tub will be quicker and easier...but I'd be careful of trying to swap out a side, as that could defeat the very qualities that makes tubs work (as well as pose risk to the animal if not done carefully). Try looking for a used enclosure from Boaphile or AP on-line...just make sure to clean it out carefully with bleach...twice to be be safe. Let me know if I can help further. Good luck!

[Mr. Bacon]

Thanks! Ive seen many of your posts and follow LGR on facebook. I had a piece of plexi cut to fit the screen lid of my glass tank with vent holes in it, however one of the corners broke off so it doesnt not fit well so I may do it over again. This being said, I think I would like to start with a juvenile snake anyways so I will prbly not be buying until next hatching season anyways. Plenty of time to prepare!

[Snakesitter]

That makes sense. Juvies are a little more robust anyway, and able to tolerate a humiidty or temp lapse for longer than a baby would.

I agree with you redoing the top, as humidity is that key for this species.

Thanks for following us on Facebook, and please look us up when it's time to get your new pet!

[Kid Boa]

That makes sense. Juvies are a little more robust anyway, and able to tolerate a humiidty or temp lapse for longer than a baby would.

I agree with you redoing the top, as humidity is that key for this species.

Thanks for following us on Facebook, and please look us up when it's time to get your new pet!

Cliff has GREAT animals, and T-Shirts. :)

[Mr. Bacon]

That makes sense. Juvies are a little more robust anyway, and able to tolerate a humiidty or temp lapse for longer than a baby would.

I agree with you redoing the top, as humidity is that key for this species.

Thanks for following us on Facebook, and please look us up when it's time to get your new pet!

I did mean baby when I said juvenile, wrong word choice. I have a little prior experience handling some snakes a friend of mine had, some BRBs, Balls, Black heads, womas and Boelens but want to have an animal I can handle from the get go myself, plus I love the look and colors of the babies. I do plan on re-doing the top with less ventilation to help humidity. But like I said plenty of time to prepare, humid hides, cover etc etc.

Definitely will consider buying from you or Dave, I love the look of some of the Pearls hes come out with but might not be the right investment for a first animal :p.

[Snakesitter]

Thanks KB! ;-)

[Snakesitter]

You should be fine with a baby then. I'm happy to help regardless. If all goes well this year, we could have up to six litters, some very nice. Good luck wherever you go!

[Mr. Bacon]

You should be fine with a baby then. I'm happy to help regardless. If all goes well this year, we could have up to six litters, some very nice. Good luck wherever you go!

Ill be checking them out Im sure ;)