Tank size

Hi, wondering about opinions on whether a tank can really be "too big"? Right now I've got my hatchling in a ten gallon and another coming soon, she climbs everything and is quite active. I'm looking at building them their own homes though, but I'd like to only do it once. So ideally as they grow out of the ten gallon, I'll be moving them into their permanent home. I'm thinking a 30" cube or possibly even 36", built to go in a corner with rock walls along two sides, doors on the other, so they can stack (with a space in between for when extra heating is needed in the winter, welcome to Canada!). There would be lots of things to climb on at different levels, a handful of hides on the bottom. The hides I would be hand making so that as the BPs get bigger, I can get them bigger hides as well. Any thoughts? What are your adults in/how did you get them to that size? Thanks in advance :)

Generally, they can feel comfortable in tanks that are supposedly "too big", as long as you really clutter up the space with branches, fake leaves, stuff, a bunch of places to hide. Wide, open space with only a little place to hide is what makes a tank "too big" and puts stress on the ball python.

Otherwise, it's just a matter of higher maintenance in keeping the tank and all the stuff in it clean. :P

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Generally, they can feel comfortable in tanks that are supposedly "too big", as long as you really clutter up the space with branches, fake leaves, stuff, a bunch of places to hide. Wide, open space with only a little place to hide is what makes a tank "too big" and puts stress on the ball python.

Otherwise, it's just a matter of higher maintenance in keeping the tank and all the stuff in it clean. :P

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Awesome, thanks! That's the plan - I'm looking forward to getting started!

Yeah, don't let anyone squash your passion for a naturalistic vivarium for your snake.

just remember when you go to build that ball pythons live in small holes in the ground and are uncomfertable in open spaces so if you do anything big make sure it has enough cover and for lack of a better word clutter that they do not get stressed

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Originally Posted by nwright

Hi, wondering about opinions on whether a tank can really be "too big"? Right now I've got my hatchling in a ten gallon and another coming soon, she climbs everything and is quite active. I'm looking at building them their own homes though, but I'd like to only do it once. So ideally as they grow out of the ten gallon, I'll be moving them into their permanent home. I'm thinking a 30" cube or possibly even 36", built to go in a corner with rock walls along two sides, doors on the other, so they can stack (with a space in between for when extra heating is needed in the winter, welcome to Canada!). There would be lots of things to climb on at different levels, a handful of hides on the bottom. The hides I would be hand making so that as the BPs get bigger, I can get them bigger hides as well. Any thoughts? What are your adults in/how did you get them to that size? Thanks in advance :)

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40g breeder. Made the big ol lid. Has led's in it to reach the darker areas. Dual 12in t5ho hydroponics fixture. One grow bulb one uvb. Heated by side of tank mounted heat panel. No heat lamps or emitters. I have a diy fogger that runs this and 3 other large frog tanks. My baby is fairly large. Never actually measured him.

Proper bio soil is the key. You can google a good recipie like i did and have enough to plant everything in the house, or get from somewhere like joshsfrogs. With good planting the hardest part is finding sturdy plants. Pick out poop and sheds then go. Peel up the moss and stir the dirt from time to time. Love it. No mo bedding changes.

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psmqtumktr.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...psz64e971q.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/...pstsj3eelh.jpg

Boom. Nature straight down to simulating sunlight the best manmade lights can.

I ordered a grow light for one of my kingsnake tanks. (Currently on back order, but if I like it, I'll get the same for the other tank.) I really enjoy having stuff for them to explore and climb on.

Better than TV. Programming starts at nightfall. The tanks are in semi-darkness at that point, so I like to spy on them with a little flash light. I usually find them lava-lamping, or lounging on a branch, spying back at me :P.

Yes. Were working on some blue leds for night viewing. Once you go natural planted youll never go back. Setup is the crappy part. Then it takes care of itself. Be sure to use bigger, more established plants. Funny you mention kingsnake. I have someone that wants me to take his. Funny enough his snake is racist... i swear...

That's pretty cool Kris. I'd love to try something like that.

You shouldn't let your BP smoke though. I heard it's bad for them. ;)