Ethan Clarke
Heating a plastic snake tub is an important aspect of snake husbandry. The right temperature is crucial for the health and comfort of snakes, and there are various ways to achieve this. Heating pads, heat tape, and ceramic heat emitters are all options for maintaining the desired temperature in a plastic snake tub. It is important to regulate the temperature with a thermostat to prevent overheating and provide a comfortable environment for the snake. Insulation can also help maintain the desired temperature while saving on electricity costs. Additionally, providing a light source and UV lighting can benefit the snake's health and comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating method | Heating pad, heat tape, heat mat, ceramic heat emitter, or ultratherm heat pad |
| Heating pad placement | Underneath the tub, at the back of the tub, or heating the whole room |
| Heating pad regulation | Must be regulated by a thermostat to prevent overheating and burning |
| Heat tape placement | Attached directly to the tub or the shelving unit underneath the tub |
| Heat tape regulation | Must be regulated by a stat to prevent burning the tub and the snake |
| Heat mat regulation | Must be regulated by a stat |
| Heat mat limitations | Do not heat the air and are not suitable for heavily bodied snake species |
| Tub insulation | Foil-covered polystyrene |
| Tub ventilation | Holes drilled in the sides and lid |
| Temperature measurement | Digital temperature gun, digital thermometer, or infra-red thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Heat mats and pads
Undertank heaters (UTH) are a popular choice for snake tubs, but some UTHs are only suitable for use with glass enclosures, so it is important to choose one that is compatible with plastic tubs. One owner with boas in Sterilite tubs recommends undertank heaters with thermostats, but not the kind designed for humans.
When using a heating pad, it is important to consider the size of the snake tub and the number of snakes it houses. For larger collections, rack systems with heat tape and thermostats can be a convenient option. These systems allow for individual temperature control for each tub, ensuring the comfort and safety of the snakes.
In addition to heating pads, other sources of heat may be necessary for snakes. Some snakes may benefit from a basking spot with a light source, such as a clamp light with a high-wattage bulb. However, it is important to note that some snakes prefer to avoid direct light, so providing a hide or cover can give them the option to escape the heat if needed.
Overall, heating mats and pads can be an effective way to heat a plastic snake tub, but it is crucial to use the correct type of heating equipment and to regulate the temperature with a thermostat to ensure the safety and comfort of the snakes.
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Heat tape
Heating a plastic snake tub is a common concern for snake owners, especially those who keep their snakes in Sterilite tubs. It is important to remember that human heating pads are not designed for long-term use and can overheat and cause fires, even with a thermostat.
When using heat tape, it is important to ensure that the heating elements are regulated to maintain a comfortable temperature for the snake. Undertank heaters designed for reptiles can also be used with thermostats to heat plastic snake tubs.
In addition to heating, lighting is also a consideration for snake tubs. Some snake owners recommend providing a basking spot for the snake by cutting a hole in the top of the tub, covering it with screen material, and placing a light over it. However, gluing or taping the screen to the top of a plastic lid is not advisable as snakes can work it loose and escape.
Overall, heat tape with a thermostat is a safe and convenient option for heating a plastic snake tub, providing a regulated temperature for the snake's comfort and health.
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Insulating the tub
Insulating a plastic snake tub can help increase its heat-retaining properties. While it is possible to use a heating pad underneath a plastic tub, it is important to have it on a thermostat to regulate the temperature. To insulate the tub, you can use various materials and methods:
- Fiberglass insulation: This is a popular choice for insulating bathtubs and can be stuffed under the tub or taped loosely in place. However, some people are concerned that expanding fiberglass insulation might lift the tub off the floor.
- Spray foam insulation: Spray foam is often used to insulate bathtubs, but some people recommend against it due to the risk of expansion, which can cause bulging or cracking of the tub. Low-expansion spray foam meant for windows and doors is recommended to reduce this risk.
- Reflective insulation: This type of insulation can be taped loosely in place under the tub.
- Mineral wool: This material has been used successfully to insulate a bathtub, providing a comfortable bathing experience.
- Silicone: Silicone can be used to fill in gaps and stabilize the tub, reducing creaking and improving insulation.
When insulating a plastic snake tub, it is important to ensure that the insulation is safe for the snake and does not interfere with any heating elements or temperature regulation systems in place. It is also crucial to consider the specific needs of the snake species and provide the appropriate temperature and lighting conditions.
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Using a thermostat
When using a heat pad, it is important to connect it to a thermostat to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. Heat pads can be placed underneath the tub or at the back, but they should not be in direct contact with the tub for extended periods without a thermostat to regulate them. It is also recommended to use a digital temperature probe to monitor the temperature underneath the substrate, where the probe should be placed.
For under-tank heaters, a thermostat is still required to control the temperature. UTHs are effective when ambient temperatures are in the 75-degree range, but they will not raise the ambient temperature. Therefore, a supplementary heat source may be needed during colder months to maintain the desired temperature.
Heat tape is another option for heating snake tubs, but it should be used with caution. Like heat pads, heat tape should not be in direct contact with the tub for prolonged periods without a thermostat to regulate the temperature. It is important to monitor the temperature with a digital temperature probe to ensure it does not get too hot and burn the snake or the tub.
Overall, the use of a thermostat is crucial for maintaining the appropriate temperature in a plastic snake tub and preventing potential harm to the snake. It is important to choose the appropriate heating method and always use a thermostat to regulate the temperature and create a safe and comfortable environment for the snake.
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Lighting and UV exposure
UVB exposure in the wild was measured in a study by Ferguson et al. (2010) for five species of snake, all of which were considered crepuscular or shade dwellers, or partial sun/occasional baskers. The study concluded that providing low levels of UVB to reptiles with similar exposure patterns would replicate their natural conditions. This suggests that snakes can benefit from some exposure to UVB light, even if they do not strictly require it.
There is also anecdotal evidence that snakes exhibit increased activity and changes in day/night behaviours when exposed to UVB light. Additionally, a study on corn snakes by Nail (2011) found that snakes will voluntarily expose themselves to UVB light and that it positively affects their activity levels. Similarly, a study on Jamaican Boas by Bellamy and Stephen (2007) found that the snakes showed higher activity levels during the night when provided with UVB light during the day.
If you decide to provide UV lighting for your snake, it is important to use artificial UVB light bulbs specifically designed for reptiles, such as the recommended Zoo Med brand UVB bulbs. Fluorescent UVB bulbs should be placed within 12-18" of the snake, and mercury vapour bulbs, which produce more heat, should be placed at a minimum distance of 12" from the snake's basking spot. It is also important to note that UVB bulbs should be replaced every 6-12 months, as the coating inside the glass that emits UVB light wears off over time.
To provide lighting and UV exposure in a plastic snake tub, one suggestion is to cut a hole in the top of the tub, cover it with screen material, and place the light over the screen. However, it is important to ensure that the snake cannot escape by working the screen loose or escape and potentially get burned by the light. As an alternative to cutting a hole, you could use staples to hold the screen in place, but this would require a significant number of staples to prevent the snake from escaping.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a heat pad underneath the hot side of the tub to provide a floor-level temperature gradient. Make sure the heat pad is regulated by a thermostat to prevent it from reaching temperatures that could burn your snake or damage the floor.
Heat tape, radiant heat panels, and ceramic heat emitters are also used to heat plastic snake tubs.
You can use a digital temperature gun to monitor the temperature in your snake's enclosure. You can also use a thermometer to measure the temperature in different spots in the tub.
You can use foil-covered polystyrene to insulate your tub and keep the heat in. This will help maintain the temperature and save you money on electric bills.
