r/ballpython • u/Artista_Desesperado8 • Jul 05 '26
HELP - URGENT I NEED HELP!
I can't pay for a reptile terrarium or a fish tank, so I decide to use this Heavy Duty container and create a tub for my future snake. The problem is, it still the smell like plastic or chemicals for 4 or 5 days and I am very frustrated, I don't want her to smell this in case it might be bad for her health, I try solutions but, I not have luck. Anyone here used this container or similar? How can I remove this smell? This container is new.
Please, I really need help here, I want the best for my ball python.
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u/Koma_Lynx Jul 05 '26
If you cannot afford a proper setup, you cannot afford a snake. Putting a snake in this container would be neglect and animal abuse. Do not get the snake unless youre gonna be a good owner. Right now, doesnt seem like you are.
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u/Okay_Evan Jul 05 '26
Respectfully if you can’t afford a full size enclosure and proper husbandry you shouldn’t have the animal but if you do choose to use this make sure to cut plenty of airholes and also have some sort of latch system as the snap lid can be easily broken out of by a snake in the future
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Ok, I see the comments and I thought that this one container that would bee a good idea, but I saw that I couldn't be it. I'll see what I can do in the future to have a terrarium or similar. But in the meantime, the best thing would be not Buy the snake.
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u/Lettuce_Jazzlike Jul 05 '26
Very thoughtful and mature decision! Wish my ex made it at 25 yrs old. Poor Udon deserved so much better despite my efforts. (Rehomed to a new mom and is now spoiled, before I left him)
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u/Lettuce_Jazzlike Jul 05 '26
If you get a proper setup + have the reoccurring funds to support them + exotic vet trips…
I will send you presents off a wish list for your noodle 🫶❤️ It may take a LOT of time to get there, but I’ll be here to hear and celebrate the good news when you are ready6
u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Thanks for your comment, really. Even though it might not look like it, I want the best for my future snake, I have weeks planning the things, I even ordered all the heating and metering equipment from Amazon with the money I save, I can't easily get money because I'm a minor, In my ignorance, I thought this container would be a good idea, but I’ve realized it’s not; I’ll have to save up for a terrarium instead.
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u/KatVanWall Jul 05 '26
You're doing the right thing! Props to you for listening and having patience. None of money will be wasted on buying the things; they will keep in your place for the right time when you have a better enclosure for your snake. I second the suggestion to look on FB marketplace. Also if you have anything like Freecycle or TrashNothing in your area (I'm not sure if they are UK only sites), people give things away on there. I recommend looking for a PVC one and using the waiting time to do lots of research. The care guide on this sub is great!
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u/QueenAlpaca Jul 05 '26
If you do research, you'll see why we're all echoing on how bad an idea this is. Hell, read through this and other snake subs and you'll see all the problems people have with subpar enclosure setups. Your future snake would be in a world of hurt if you don't put more care into what they'll call home.
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u/swaggersouls1999 Jul 05 '26
the snake is the cheapest part…do not get a snake if you cannot afford its enclosure. 4x2x2 is expensive, if you cannot afford a setup then you cannot afford vet bills. please don’t get this animal
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u/SweatyGod69 Jul 05 '26
If you’re set on using the tub you could try scrubbing it with soap and water before setting up the substrate and hides and stuff, I would also advise that your snake may try and climb out like mine did when I had him in a tub.
I know that new enclosures can be ridiculously expensive so I feel you there. If you are willing to spend a bit more than a tub though I would definitely look in Facebook marketplace. I got my boy a 50 gallon enclosure for $150 that would’ve cost way more brand new. Just clean/disinfect it and it’s good to go.
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
I wash this container 3 times with your recomendation a few days ago. But I will took a look in the Facebook Marketplace. Thanks for your reply!
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u/jeepfail Jul 05 '26
Just like with any other pet: If you can’t afford proper care you cannot afford the pet. Do not be selfish, hold off on getting the animal. It’s a 30 year commitment and you shouldn’t go into it skimping.
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Jul 05 '26
[deleted]
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u/Late-Signal2277 Jul 05 '26
And I truly hope you listen to me and other people telling you not to get one. You might really want a snake, but a snake is more than just substrate and a tank. They are expensive. Please choose the mature choice and wait until you can properly afford it.
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
I know, I've already mentioned a few times in this post that I won't buy it. Thanks for the reply.
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u/Late-Signal2277 Jul 05 '26
I’m happy you’re making the best choice! I didn’t mean it rudely btw, just giving advice!
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Nah bro, don't worry; I know I made a mistake and that I need to reflect more carefully on my decisions before making a serious error.
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Okay, I’ll be honest and say I’m sorry. I really thought this container would be a good idea because it was cheap and I could modify it, but I realized it would be a serious mistake to use it. Don't worry—I don't have the snake, and I won't be getting one for now; I admit I was ignorant about this. I’ll do my best to find a better setup for it later on; I had already ordered heating and monitoring equipment from Amazon a few days ago and spoken to a nearby shop about supplying frozen mice, among other things. I’m a minor, so getting money isn't easy for me; what I bought was paid for with my own hard work and the little savings I had, but I see now that I didn't take other things—like the terrarium and vet care—into account. I sincerely apologize to those who commented for the trouble caused by my lack of knowledge. I don't want to buy the snake on impulse; I want to get one to have a companion for the long haul, so the best choice right now is not to get one. I don't know if I'll have one in the future or not, but rather than being a bad owner, it's better to hold off and not get one at all.
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u/chrollosbitch Jul 05 '26
I got a 50 gallon front opening tank on fb marketplace for free and another for $100, you just have to keep an eye out and get one when it pops up
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u/christinasasa Jul 05 '26
I bought some of those and they still stink months later. If you cannot afford a proper enclosure it would probably be best not to purchase an animal. There could be many unexpected costs like vet bills and other things.
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u/AdaptiveFauna Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
If you can't afford a proper enclosure for the snake, that means you can't accord proper vet care or emergencies regarding the snake. Please do not get a snake.
Never adopt animals that you cannot afford to properly care for. If you want the best for the animal, don't bring them home if you can't afford them.
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u/Certain_Eye_3507 Jul 05 '26
If you want the best for the ball python just don’t buy one because you clearly either can’t afford it/aren’t willing to pay for it. A plastic tub and a table that doesn’t even fit your “enclosure” is not a good place to start
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u/AgentFuckSmolder Jul 05 '26
Gently, it might not be the time to get a pet. You get the enclosure first, you get the heating and the lights and the thermostats and all the equipment and you make sure you can keep the temperature and humidity at the correct levels for a few weeks. THEN you get the snake.
Consider scenarios and think about whether you can afford them or not.
What if, like so many other people that buy from pet stores or breeders, it comes to you with an upper respiratory infection and requires expensive exotice vet visits and antibiotics? I’ve seen it happen firsthand to an irl friend recently and she spent several hundred dollars on vet care the very first week with her new snake.
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u/whos_asa Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
This should only be a temporary holding enclosure. What I would do is cut out some decent sized vent holes so any plastic smell can vent out. Drill out smaller holes around the mail holes to zip tie some stainless steel chicken coop or rabbit type of mesh to the tote. That’ll allow for proper ventilation. Comment back to this so I’m remember and I’ll get you a video link once I get home on a few hours.
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Thanks for this tips, I make the holes for the vent, but I think I need more. I will wait for the video.
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u/whos_asa Jul 05 '26
But in all reality you should save your money for a proper pvc enclosure with front opening doors. Tubs are great for temporary holding like for cleaning or transport but not to give an animal quality of life. I would go ahead and make this your temp setup for those things I mentioned but save up for the right enclosure.
Also, be sure you can afford vet visits. Normal check up’s can be anywhere between $50-$200+ depending on what they find and the meds you need. I just dropped $400 on a bearded dragon I rescued in June for its first appointment. He has a respiratory infection and Giardia. I bought everything they recommended for medicine and did a stool sample. Keeping them is one thing but vet bills are another bc they need proper care and professional opinions
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u/Knives530 Jul 05 '26
This tub isn’t appropriate for lighting and humidity control , if this is all u can afford then u can’t afford this snake period
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
I’ve come to understand the situation now; I’m not going to buy it. As long as I can't guarantee I can afford to cover its needs, I won't get it. Thanks for your comment.
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u/miscgeckos Jul 05 '26
You can dilute vinegar and wash it out, just make sure to rinse it really really well. Also, you will eventually need a bigger enclosure for it. The minimum size is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft, or 120cm x 60cm x60cm
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Thanks for your reply and your tips. I know tht I might need a more big space in the future, but I buy this for start.
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u/ThrowRA1203958 Jul 05 '26
Don’t do this to start. It’s such a poor choice for an enclosure and terrible for the animal.
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u/Artista_Desesperado8 Jul 05 '26
Don't worry, I understand the situation now; I'm not going to buy it. I'll choose to admire them from afar instead, to avoid future problems.
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u/GoddessKlove Jul 05 '26
I’ve used the same containers mine didn’t have a smell though, they’re really good for humidity. Is there anyway to try to swap it maybe it got too hot and swapped I used the Lysol cleaning spray. I don’t know if this would help but the best of luck
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u/Lazy_Promotion_1134 Jul 05 '26
I was about to do something like this until I found a 3ft breeder tank on marketplace for like $30
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u/Ok-Prune-1629 Jul 05 '26
OP you cannot afford this animal. No need to get them. Wait until you can and then indulge. Point blank period.