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Rack System tubs?

Nero557

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Hello, I was wondering if anyone knew specifically what size tubs should be used for a full grown ball python? Also, if someone could tell me like the brand and model number (ie: Iris tub #3256) or something of the same sort. Another question would be, what size heat tape should I use with that big of a tub? 3inch? 11inch? and should it be under the bottom of the tub, or along the back of the tubs? Thank you in advance for any/all help i recieve.
 
The CB70 from Iris is a good size. You can get them at www.reptiletubs.com . Great guy and good customer service. I had been using 11" in the past but all breeder quality racks use 3" or 4" so I would say that is sufficient. Belly heat for sure.

Good luck!
 
The CB-70 is a very commonly used size for adult balls. I personally prefer the CB-110 for the largest females.
I too use 11" to heat them. Belly heat is required in tubs that large. Back heat only really works with the small tubs.
I know the 3 and four inch is often used, but I've just never thought it adequate for the big tubs housing large females especially. There's just not enough surface area for them to get their bodies on.
I use 3 inch for tubs up to the rubbermaid blanket box size. Not sure of the tub number but it's the 24" long ones. Once I get larger than that I always use 11" width.
 
Clay Davenport said:
The CB-70 is a very commonly used size for adult balls. I personally prefer the CB-110 for the largest females.
I too use 11" to heat them. Belly heat is required in tubs that large. Back heat only really works with the small tubs.
I know the 3 and four inch is often used, but I've just never thought it adequate for the big tubs housing large females especially. There's just not enough surface area for them to get their bodies on.
I use 3 inch for tubs up to the rubbermaid blanket box size. Not sure of the tub number but it's the 24" long ones. Once I get larger than that I always use 11"width.

Hey Clay! I remember seeing you say (possibly on your site in a rack building page) that you like to use the CB 110s for the largest females. What do you consider too large for a CB70? As far as heat tape, Freedom Breeder among others all use 3". The ARS rack I just got uses 4" and it seems to create a nice even hot spot.
 
I usually move the females to a CB-110 when they hit 2500 grams.
I'm not saying females that size shouldn't be kept in CB-70s but I just prefer to provide the extra room. Balls are primarily sedentary snakes, but if I they want to stretch out and move a bit I want that to be available to them.
A lot of people can't use the 110s though, a 39 inch long tub does take up some space.
Another reason I like the 110s is they are more versatile. I have one rack of them that has some big female balls in it, but it also houses some adult womas comfortably. I've kept decent sized dumeril's boas and hog islands in those tubs as well.

As for the heat tape, I know the freedom breeder racks work well with the 3" tape, but I just prefer to have it set up so that an adult female ball, when coiled, can get her entire body over the heat source evenly if she so desires. Using the 39" long tubs also allows for the larger heated area without affecting the remainder of the cage space.
I think a 3" strip, set about 4 inches from the end of the CB-110 and spanning the width would work fine too.
 
Clay Davenport said:
I usually move the females to a CB-110 when they hit 2500 grams.
I'm not saying females that size shouldn't be kept in CB-70s but I just prefer to provide the extra room. Balls are primarily sedentary snakes, but if I they want to stretch out and move a bit I want that to be available to them.
A lot of people can't use the 110s though, a 39 inch long tub does take up some space.
Another reason I like the 110s is they are more versatile. I have one rack of them that has some big female balls in it, but it also houses some adult womas comfortably. I've kept decent sized dumeril's boas and hog islands in those tubs as well.

As for the heat tape, I know the freedom breeder racks work well with the 3" tape, but I just prefer to have it set up so that an adult female ball, when coiled, can get her entire body over the heat source evenly if she so desires. Using the 39" long tubs also allows for the larger heated area without affecting the remainder of the cage space.
I think a 3" strip, set about 4 inches from the end of the CB-110 and spanning the width would work fine too.

Good info as always! What I think I have found is that what works best for you(or anyone) is the right thing!
 
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