D.I.Y: How to Set Up A Tub For Your Ball Python

Snakes can absolutely flourish in a tub setup IF you take the proper steps in preparing your tub. There are many pros and cons of using tubs as housing. I chose to move my Ball Python Prada into a tub because of shedding/humidity issues I was having in her previous enclosure.

This D.I.Y guide will outline the basics of how I set-up Prada's new home!

Pictured at right are the supplies you'll need to set up your snake's tub.

• Tub (I chose a 90qt. Sterilite for Prada as she is a very large female Ball Python. Your tub size will depend on your snake)
• Heating (Under tank heaters are the way to go! I chose to use Flexwatt.)
• Thermometer (Pictured in final set up photo)
• Soldering Iron
• Electrical tape *optional* (for Flexwatt)
• Thermostat (an absolute MUST for Flexwatt; recommended for any heat source)
• Substrate (good ol' newspaper)
• Hide box (optional, but I know she enjoys her privacy :))
• Decoration *optional*
• Water bowl (pictured in final set up photo)

I also found scissors (for cutting the electrical tape and taping the thermostate probe down), and a wet erase marker (for making your marks for the holes) helpful as well.

Tip #1: You can always add more ventilation holes if you tub is holding in too much humidity. It's better to have few holes and make more, than deal with low humidity from too many!

Tip #1: I used a razor blade to clean up the edges of the melted holes.

Tip #2: If you are using a marker to mark where your holes are going to be, I'd recommend making only a tiny dot, and erasing your line before melting. Since my tick marks were a little big, you can see some green around the holes under the melted edges.

Tip #3: Please be careful with your soldering iron. You can be badly burnt if you are careless with it :)

Make sure you safely set up your heat source for your tub. If you are using a UTH or Flexwatt, you'll need a small gap between the mat and your tub for air flow. Plug in your thermostat and set it to the ideal temperature for you species of snake.

I recommend running your tub for a few days prior to introducing your snake, just to be on the safe side. After introduction, it's always a good idea to keep on eye on your snake's temperament, and the heat and humidity levels.

If you have any questions, please feel free to write me in the comment section below. I'll be happy to answer your question, or if I'm not sure of the answer, direct you to a reliable source!