Tank too large?

[The One And Only]

Just as a quick question... I have done the reading on tubs and such but seeing i just got a 55gallon tank as recently i figured i might as well put it to use. Is this going to be TOO big or will it be ok as long as it is kept up to temp and humidity?

[Nate]

how big is your snake?

[The One And Only]

The one i am getting is about 5 months old so i would guess about 15inches or so.

[Nate]

IMO....for now yes. I successfully housed a pretty nice sized female in a 30 gallon tank.

Most breeders use tubs for their adults that are 33" x 17" x 5.25"

Here's some good reading: http://8ballpythons.com/journal/caresheet.htm

Many people have had success keeping young ball python in 20 gallon "breeder" tanks and adult in 40 gallon "breeder" tanks.

When he gets on up there in size, you could probably switch him over. But, based on what I have *read*, a tank that size will stress the little guy out.

[The One And Only]

For now...if you housed a decent sized female in 30 gallon tank then shouldnt a 55 gallon take be large enough to house the snake most of its life if not all of it? Just curious!

[The One And Only]

Nevermind i miss read your post...is there any way to house it in there without the stress? Possibly by adding more hides?

[Nate]

I'm not sure. I've never used an enclosure that size before.

Perhaps you could divide the enclosure and...buy another!!

Somebody else will hopefully chime in with more helpful advice on larger enclosures. I hope i've helped in some way.

[The One And Only]

Yeah u have helped by answering my one question and in return inspiring another. I agree and alos hope that someone chimes in and answers my new question. Thanks for all your help!!

[JLC]

Here are my thoughts on baby snakes and really big glass tanks:


1. Some snakes are "braver" and more outgoing than others and less inclined to stress out in a "big" environment. Ball pythons, as a rule, are not this type of snake. However, there are individual differences within a given species. It's possible you could get a baby that would be fine in a 55gal...so long as you had lots of proper hides, multiple water bowls, and "ground cover" for it to crawl around in. That being said...the chances of freaking out a baby ball python who finds itself with too much "territory" to cover is fairly high. But you can try...

2. Even small glass tanks are often difficult to maintain with the proper temperatures and humidity. The larger they get, the more difficult it is to get the right gradient and hold in your humidity. Not to mention the fact that they are a bear to clean and disinfect! (And all the hides, bowls, and decor needs to be periodically cleaned as well.) A glass tank is best suited to a room where the ambient temps stay at or near 80 and don't fluctuate too much. And it helps if the room also has a relatively high ambient humidity. The colder the room...the more the temps swing...the dryer the air.....the harder that tank will be to keep up with. But....if you're willing to put in all the extra effort they require....you can try!

[The One And Only]

Thanks i appreciate it and i had planned on all the previously mentioned things...not too worried about the cleaning, as a matter of fact i enjoy a challenge... the uth i found should be sufficient and with the lamp, temps shouldnt be hard to hit and for humidity i may have to mist once a day to maintain the humidity, althought the multiple water sources should also help...man i really hope i done eat these words! LOL! Thanks again!