I want to switch my BPs from their aquarium homes to rubbermaids. I was wondering what is a good sized rubbermaid for an adult Ball?
Also, is it a good idea to use regular UTH heatpads on a rubbermaid? I currently use zoo-med UTHs with thermostat, and they keep the pythons' hides at the perfect temp. They will not melt the rubbermaids, will they? Am I just paranoid? 
Thanks a bunch for your advice.
-Mark
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*~Ginevive~*
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Advice on switching frrom tank to rubbermaid needed...
ginevive
Jan 05, 2004 07:45 AM
Replies (2)
sapphire_snake
Jan 05, 2004 09:05 AM
amazingly I was able to find 4ft "rubbermaid" like containers. They were holiday containers for christmas trees.
But just find about the biggest one there is. Not meaning taller, but longer and wider, and it does not have to be rubbermaid. There are other brands of plastic containers out there. Check around, and if you find one you like, but the lid doesn't seem to fit. Just use bungy cords to keep it on nice and tight.
As long as the uth is controlled with a lamp dimmer or something that does the same effect, then it should be great.
Make sure to measure the temps with an indoor/outdoor probe digital thermometer. Put the theremometer directly over the uth on the inside of the rubbermaid.
You shouldn't have to use bulbs or anything. I just use a lamp sit a little back and turn it on for daytime/nighttime cycles.
Drill holes all the way around. Put substrate, hides, climbing sticks, water bowl. Whatever you normally put in there, put it in there.
I think that the plastic containers are alot more heat resistant than everyone thinks. I've had my temps (because it got hot outside) spike up to 102 degree's (with a cool side of 80. so it's not like they were cooking) and the plastic was still fine.
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1.1 Ball Python, 0.1 motley amel corn
IMO
Jan 05, 2004 05:12 PM
I keep mine in a 71.48qt. rubbermaid - measures 59cm x 45cm x 39cm. It is a "Clever Latch" hinged storage box. It actually hinges on the back side and latches on the front. I use a UTH on a thermostat and a human heating pad set on low. My temps are 90-95 on warm side and 80 on cool side with ambient temps 78-80 degrees. Don't worry about heating the rubbermaid too much. It can take the heat. My humidity stays about 60% with one water bowl. When I want to increase humidity for sheds I just add another water bowl and the humidity increases to about 80%. Hope this helps.
