Noob - Terrarium 18x18x18

[AkivaSmith]

Hello All,

I am totally new to snakes! However, I am not new to building habitats.

I have tons of experience building aquariums in both freshwater and saltwater.

I am planning on starting with a ball python. I was told that when mature they generally do not get bigger than 5 ft. I was told that it is best to buy the largest accommodation that I can afford so that the snake will be comfortable as it grows.

I have seen a reptile terrarium that is 18"x18"x18" with doors that open on one side and a plastic rock face on the back. The PetCo employee told me that this should accommodate a ball python for its entire life.

Is this terrarium a good purchase?

I am still debating on substrate. I will probably start with astroturf. Is it really that difficult to take care of?

If I mount driftwood to the sides how high from the "floor" can they be? I want to have at least 1/2" of clearance to put in the astroturf. Is that OK?

This site is great. I have printed off a bunch of stuff already, but I could not find these addressed.

Thank you, Akiva.

[mr~python]

18x18x18 is too small for an adult ball. i suggest you use sterilite tubs. they are easy to use, and easier to maintain proper heat and humidity.

as for buying a big cage and letting the python "grow into it", that's not really a good idea. a little hatchling would get stressed out in a large enclosure and it would be harder to make it feel secure then it would be in a cage of the proper size.

i dont know what size tub you would keep a hatchling in because ive never housed my snakes in tubs while they were still hatchlings, but CB-70 or 41qt. is perfect for an adult ball.

[daniel1983]

I don't think that terrarium is a good choise for a ball python. Ball pythons do not need alot of height (actually they thrive with less height) and need a bit more ground space. I keep my adults in enclosures that are 36" L x 17" W x 6" H.

Astroturf will work. However, it may be difficult to disinfect during cleaning and it also pays to have two identical pieces to 'swap out' when one get soiled.

How you put your driftwood is really up to you. Ball pythons are terrestrial species so they really do not need stuff to climb on...however, if provided with it they will (use it to try to excape ) generally climb on it every now and then.

If you are looking for a 'display' type snake to setup in a terriarium, maybe a ball python is not the best choise. They are nocturnal, ground dwelling, and like to hide 80% of the time.....not really the best display canidate

Hope that helps

[Shaun J]

18x18x18 is way too small. Don't ever listen to the Petco employees. Also make sure you don't buy from them, as most Petco's are horrible.

I use aspen for the substrate and it's awesome.

It really doesn't matter how you put your driftwood. Mine is VERY active and I'm going out to get some tonight to give her something to climb. My brother's is VERY shy and hides in his hide almost all the time. It depends on your snake I guess.

Also, have you thought of using a rubbermaid or sterlite tub? You could start it out with a 28 qt, and put him in a big Iris tub when he is older.

[lillyorchid]

18x18x18 ACK that is way way way to small for any BP!

Go out to Walmart and get a rubermaid tub, punch some holes in the sides and set it up. Your BP will be MUCH much happrier in that!

[jason221]

Is it big enough for a crested gecko? If not, if I ever got one I'd get a 29 gallon.

[AkivaSmith]

I bought it any way. I have limited space and this was the biggest terrarium I could fit. I am going to have a little time to make space for a bigger home for my BP -- which we are going to name Fluffy.


I put pictures of the Herparium in the galleries section under AkivaSmith.

check them out.

[daniel1983]

I bought it any way. I have limited space and this was the biggest terrarium I could fit.

well.....hopefully you decide to get an animal other than a ball python to put in that terrarium....that enclosure is way too small for a ball python.....

...Those type of small terrariums are great for keeping dart frogs. They are great display animals and are not that difficult to keep.

....but if you would like to keep a snake in that small enclosure. I would suggest looking into some smaller colubrids. Even though they will eventually outgrow the enclosure....it should be able to be house in there for at least a year unlike a ball python that will be busting it at the seams.