Is putting heat lights in plastic tubs OK?

[llasher]

I have seen pics on APS of plastic tub enclosures with dowel climbs and I recall seeing some with heat lights mounted on the side of the tub. Does this work OK (ie doesn't cause fires or melt the plastic)? Do people use ceramic ES fittings and lamps or just bayonet style incandescent lights?

I want to put some of the small snakes in my collection into some K Mart 44L tubs and interested in what other people do with this.

[The Devil]

I would be real careful using lights in a plastic. Not only do you have a fire hazard but also without heaps of ventilation holes the chances of overheating the snake would be high.

[spilota_variegata]

I put a 45 watt globe into a 30 litre starmaid tub for my quails and it can get to 100 deg F/37.5 deg C. If you are not going to use a themostat, you will cook your little ones. I'm sure it can be done, but please be very careful. A larger tub (44l) would (IMO) still need a thermostat.

[llasher]

Originally Posted by spilota_variegata

I put a 45 watt globe into a 30 litre starmaid tub for my quails and it can get to 100 deg F/37.5 deg C. If you are not going to use a themostat, you will cook your little ones. I'm sure it can be done, but please be very careful. A larger tub (44l) would (IMO) still need a thermostat.

Thanks for the replies. I had every intention of using one of those Habistat switching thermostats and putting the probe in the tub. Are you saying this should work OK with a thermostat?

[Australis]

G'Day llasher,

I have a number of plastic storage type tubs heated with globes.
All of which are caged ES ceramic type fittings.

As far as fire and or melting of tubs is concerned i actually feel
far more comfortable with the tubs i have heated via globes
than i do of those i have heated via mats and cords that come
into direct contact with the plastic unlike the globes.

Ill try and post a photo or two of how ive set them up.
Im using the largest commonly seen storage tub...
im not sure what the size/L is though..

I fit the lights into the lid, makes cleaning a load easier.

[llasher]

I look forward to seeing pics of these tub enclosures so I can plagiarise the layout

[angua21]

The other thing to consider when using plastic tubs is that with major changes of temp, the plasticizers can and will seep out of the plastic. theres some pretty awful chemicals in plastic...

[spilota_variegata]

Originally Posted by llasher

Thanks for the replies. I had every intention of using one of those Habistat switching thermostats and putting the probe in the tub. Are you saying this should work OK with a thermostat?

I have never used globes in plastic containers with snakes, only with birds. I do however use heat mats and heat cords with my snakes I keep in plastic containers. I use a probe thermostat with the mats/cords and have never had a problem. If you decide to use globes and it looks like some people do with no problems, please check the temps in your tubs for a couple of days before you put your little ones in. I would be concerned that an exposed globe could allow your snakes to wrap around the globes while they are off, possibly causing burns when they turn back on.

This is only my opinion, one based on zero experience with globes and tubs (at least with snakes). I use a slitherin rack with heat cord with some of my snakes at the moment. IMO they are the best thing since sliced bread, so easy to keep the little critters comfortable, feed and clean.

No matter what you decide to do, err on the side of caution, use a thermostat and check and recheck your temps.

I've probably been no help at all

[llasher]

Originally Posted by spilota_variegata

I have never used globes in plastic containers with snakes, only with birds. I do however use heat mats and heat cords with my snakes I keep in plastic containers. I use a probe thermostat with the mats/cords and have never had a problem. If you decide to use globes and it looks like some people do with no problems, please check the temps in your tubs for a couple of days before you put your little ones in. I would be concerned that an exposed globe could allow your snakes to wrap around the globes while they are off, possibly causing burns when they turn back on.

This is only my opinion, one based on zero experience with globes and tubs (at least with snakes). I use a slitherin rack with heat cord with some of my snakes at the moment. IMO they are the best thing since sliced bread, so easy to keep the little critters comfortable, feed and clean.

No matter what you decide to do, err on the side of caution, use a thermostat and check and recheck your temps.

I've probably been no help at all

Thanks, you have been helpful. I would always use a globe protector. I would be putting a young carpet about 50cm long in a 44L tub. I have no problem using a mat or cord but don't know how well it would work for this sort of snake. Do you put the cord or mat inside the tub or does it sit underneath?

[spilota_variegata]

I sit the cord underneath the tub, near the back so as to allow a temperature gradient between the back and the front of the tub. The snakes move between the gradient as they choose, normally sitting on the "hot spot" after they have eaten to aid digestion. Seems to work fine for me and I've never had a problem

[tarzan]

I have no trouble with lights in tubs i use them for yearlings and some monitors and central netteds i use 40 watt globes in standard light fittings

[GSXR_Boy]

Nice shed tarzan. Snakes, tools and burbon

[tarzan]

and lets not forget the bikes gxsrboy

[GSXR_Boy]

Lucky you!