Should I switch tanks?

[supamyk]

So, I've had my baby in a 20 gallon since I brought her home 3 weeks ago. She has adjusted wonderfully. She eats every 4 days, knows her way around get tank and adjusts her body temps regularly buy changing hides from cool side to warm. She had a great temperament as well. I know she can't stay in this tank forever but could for at least another year. I plan on building her a melamine tank but don't know if I should wait or do it now. Any suggestions???

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[NH93]

I think it depends how old she is, and how large she is.
You brought her home 3 weeks ago but we have no idea her age or weight or length! I'd say most important is her size, though. If she can comfortably and completely stretch out in the tank (as in, one of the lengths of the tank plus one of the sides of the tank is equal to or more than her total body length) then it shouldn't be an issue. I think a 20gal is probably too small for her for her whole life. I'd move up to at least a 30 - especially because the females can get quite large compared to the males. You may even need something larger than that.

Based on the photos I've seen of her in another post you made, she should be fine in there for several months I would think.

As an aside, I would black out 3 our of 4 of those glass sides with some paper or something, and add some more coverage. Most (of course not all...) won't feel secure enough to come out for a visit if they are so out in the open.


Best of luck!

[supamyk]

Ok. I got it. She stretches out the lenght of the tank. So, i guess she is fine for now . Your saying the length plus 1 side should be longer then her. Correct?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[NH93]

Yes, but when they start getting about equal to it ("it" being length+width, as already mentioned) then it's usually time for an upgrade. That is just one way to tell if they might need an upgrade, and seems to be a fairly popular approach. Hope that's helpful!

[supamyk]

Thanks so much!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[BumbleB]

I think if you aren't having any issues with heat or humidity keep her In here for now. Then when she's outgrowing this tank build your custom melamine enclosure and make it a size that she'll be able to spend the rest of her life in.

[supamyk]

Ive found that a damp towel on half the top helps keep the humidity up

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Reptile Frenzy]

Our adults back when we had aquariums were in 55 gallon or 40 gallon breeders.