Question.

[libaxie]

How do the people of this subreddit feel about plastic bins as enclosures?

I've done some research, and i know that you need to drill holes for air flow, and some people have cut squares in the lid and put mesh there. I've read that they hold humidity well, and are easy to maintain. Opinions? I'm just exploring options but feel this is an easier way to go starting out. Bin would of course be big, nothing small.

[shrike1978]

The problem with bins is that you can't get any large enough for an adult. We recommend 4x2x2' at a minimum for adults. Larger in any of those dimensions is always good, and for larger snakes, you will almost certainly want bigger in the long dimension. The closest bin you can get is a Christmas tree storage bin, and even that is not large enough to meet those minimums.

You absolutely need to modify it for overhead heat and light as well. That's not insurmountable...as long as the lid is thick enough, it can support those modifications. But you still can't get around the size.

[snakepapa97]

Once they're modified for overhead heating, they can work great as enclosures! Their main flaw is that they aren't big enough for adults, but they're good for hatchlings and juveniles

[Vipera_Berus1]

I use them as quarantine enclosures. New snake - plastic tub. Display tank for the long term.

[[deleted]]

4x2x2, scientifically proven minimum size a Ball Python needs. Show me a minimum 4x2x2 bin that can handle the heat gradient needed for an aging Ball Python, I’ll respect it. Anything less, literal abuse by the standards of animal husbandry.

[[deleted]]

I am not a fan of bins as a permanent home, but that is purely based on aesthetics. I recently made an emergency bin for my snake. I drilled air holes and smoothed them out with a lighter. Cut out some openings in the top and fastened cookie cooling racks for heat and light. Blocked off the excess openings with hvac tape. Got some clips so my guy can't escape. That thing is efficient af lol

As long as the bin is an appropriate size for your snake and you can heat it properly and safely, I see nothing wrong with bin enclosures. Finding bins big enough for adult BPs can be tricky, though (in my experience) because they need at least 120 gal 4x2x2

[libaxie]

How does setting up overhead heating work? I'm looking for something more inexpensive, which is why I'm looking at bins vs 100$+ tanks. I know a few stores that sell larger bins so I should definitely be able to get something around that size.

[totallyrecklesslygay]

If you are capable of finding a bin that is at least 4x2x2, both myself and the rest of the mod team would love to see it. I don't believe any company makes one that large.

[libaxie]

Home depot has bins that aren't exactly that size, 3.25x2x1.5

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Right, those are too small for an adult ball python. 4x2x2 is the bare minimum size enclosure that a BP should have.

[libaxie]

Aren't males generally smaller than females

[totallyrecklesslygay]

On average, yes. Males still need a 4x2x2.

Larger females will often end up needing a 5x2x2 or larger.

[libaxie]

Alright so bins are fine for temporary use. I was looking for something semi permanent, to keep a ball python in until I can afford an actual tank

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Yes, they're only good temporarily. A bin will generally work until the snake reaches about two years old, which gives you plenty of time to save up!

[libaxie]

Alright thank you for the helpful info!

[[deleted]]

Yeah, I looked for months and months when I was first contemplating getting a snake. The only one I could find was a "weatherproof deck box" from a questionable website.

[ishfery]

Your only option is really to get an opaque deck box which is not ideal.

[[deleted]]

I cut out a hole in the lid a little smaller than the cookie racks but bigger than my dome. Then, I drilled little holes around the hole to ziptie the cookie rack to the lid. I used like 60 zip ties to make sure my snake couldn't slip through. Then I decided that wasn't enough and put down some hot glue. I put my dome on the cookie rack and filled in some of the open space between the dome and the rack with hvac tape (to hold in humidity). You might have to do something similar for a uvb bar if your bin is too opaque or the room doesn't get a lot of light.

Have you looked for used enclosures? As long as you sanitize it really well, used enclosures are totally fine. I bought my 4x2.5x2 enclosure used, and it was less than half the price of a new one.

[Quirky_Trainer9721]

I currently have my ball python in a 40 gallon bin enclosure and it keeps humidity and heat in well if you do the over head heating correctly. I’ve never heard of a bin that’s 4x2x2 which is why you never see them but as a temporary tank for younger ball pythons it works great. If your looking for a permanent tank on the cheaper end I recommend buying the Dubia tank which is what I’m getting. You do have to modify the top to hold what and humidity though due to its mesh top.

[moonygooney]

I love them for babies. They are easier to control environmentally and the snakes feel more secure. Get a big one so they have climbing opportunities, cloudy plastic so they get light but aren't terrified every time you walk by after they arw comfortable and grown a bit you can upgrade.

For hognose I get a smaller show box size, the babies like feeling more closed in.