From one newbie to another....

Just wanted to offer some advice for those just getting into ball pythons. Do NOT get a glass tank! I did research and for some reason ignored all the tub vs tank facts thinking I was doing my snake a favor by giving it a more "realistic" or bigger enclosure. It is just the opposite. Humidity and temps are just a nightmare to stabilize. Not to mention trying to clean a huge glass tank by yourself. I'm getting a tub tomorrow. And there is a reptile show in north Houston in two weeks and will be looking for a rack system because I am DEFINATELY getting another snake!

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Just wanted to offer some advice for those just getting into ball pythons. Do NOT get a glass tank! I did research and for some reason ignored all the tub vs tank facts thinking I was doing my snake a favor by giving it a more "realistic" or bigger enclosure. It is just the opposite. Humidity and temps are just a nightmare to stabilize. Not to mention trying to clean a huge glass tank by yourself. I'm getting a tub tomorrow. And there is a reptile show in north Houston in two weeks and will be looking for a rack system because I am DEFINATELY getting another snake!

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Why not just research how to manage humidity in tanks before giving up and spending more money on another complete setup ?

I have a 50/50 split between glass vivs and wooden vivs ..

For tanks I put a piece of Perspex over the top and seal it around the edges . Also I use orchid bark which not only looks good , makes your snake look great AND holds humidity spectacularly well . Occasional spraying and you're good to go . I'm sure there are many other tips as well .


Just a thought given he snakes look so amazing in a tank where you can observe their every move and THEY can also see out ..




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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Just wanted to offer some advice for those just getting into ball pythons. Do NOT get a glass tank! I did research and for some reason ignored all the tub vs tank facts thinking I was doing my snake a favor by giving it a more "realistic" or bigger enclosure. It is just the opposite. Humidity and temps are just a nightmare to stabilize. Not to mention trying to clean a huge glass tank by yourself. I'm getting a tub tomorrow. And there is a reptile show in north Houston in two weeks and will be looking for a rack system because I am DEFINATELY getting another snake!

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I've been keeping my snakes in glass for years. No issues. It just takes a little extra effort.
I've successfully kept multiple species through the years, and never had any issues. Could it be easier? Sure. Is it difficult?? Heck no. It just takes a few extra minutes a day.

So, before you go bashing glass, maybe have some experience to back it up, or a basis for comparison.

+1

100% agree with Craig. I love my glass terrarium :D

I would have to say too, I'm keeping my ball python in a glass terrarium with no humidity problems or heat issues...This was even for my very FiRsT ball python. I love glass tanks! :):):)Tubs are fine too if that's what you prefer.:)

Glass terrariums may be a litter harder to keep temps and humidity up, but definitely not a nightmare to stabilize.


Enjoy your time at the reptile show, they are so much fun!!:sweeet::sunny:

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

Just wanted to offer some advice for those just getting into ball pythons. Do NOT get a glass tank! I did research and for some reason ignored all the tub vs tank facts thinking I was doing my snake a favor by giving it a more "realistic" or bigger enclosure. It is just the opposite. Humidity and temps are just a nightmare to stabilize. Not to mention trying to clean a huge glass tank by yourself. I'm getting a tub tomorrow. And there is a reptile show in north Houston in two weeks and will be looking for a rack system because I am DEFINATELY getting another snake!

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It doesn't have to be an "either', "or" situation, I have both. I have a large glass acquarium as my "display" tank and use if for my favorite snake who is quite tame and social. I also have a rack for my smaller/younger snakes. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but, as others have mentioned, humidity and heat CAN be maintained and regulated by covering the lid of the tank and regular mistings. Another disadvantage of tanks is that they take up a lot of space, not a big issue if you have a few but five or six mature ball pythons are going to require some large tanks and places to put them.

The rack requires less personal attention,and certainly less space, but it also completely removes any visual pleasure to be obtained from observing your snake. If you have a lot of time and just one or two animals this won't make a huge difference because it's easier to set aside time in your schedule to handle and interact with your snake. Having a rack full though, reduces the time and attention you can spend with each one.

We are fortunate that b.p. husbandry has advanced to the point where we now have housing options. The best housing options are those that result in healthy snakes.

Ive had both glass and wood vivs my whole life. Both work just fine. Sure glass is a little tougher to manage but the views of the vivs cant be beat. I run bioactive in mine and have no problems.

I'm firmly in the "glass" camp. The humidity has nothing to do with what the enclosure is made of, but is the result of the amount of air-flow you allow.
More humidity, modify the opening. Need more heat in a tank? Insulate most of the sides & bottom...easy to do & many cheap ways to do it.

Glass allows me to see my pets & what's going on. I can add privacy to a glass tank, but adding windows to a tub? Not so good... Not a fan of plastic at all.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'm firmly in the "glass" camp. The humidity has nothing to do with what the enclosure is made of, but is the result of the amount of air-flow you allow.
More humidity, modify the opening. Need more heat in a tank? Insulate most of the sides & bottom...easy to do & many cheap ways to do it.

Glass allows me to see my pets & what's going on. I can add privacy to a glass tank, but adding windows to a tub? Not so good... Not a fan of plastic at all.

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True. But pvc cages are already insulated, and the nicer ones come with sliding glass display doors.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

True. But pvc cages are already insulated, and the nicer ones come with sliding glass display doors.

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I see PVC as a good in-between. Personally this Saturday i'm ordering myself an AP T-8 to replace the tub he currently sits in. I personally use a tub because at the time I was a little cheap, but also knew that the snake I was receiving was being kept in it beforehand. I have to admit, though, having glass is definitely going to improve my own experience. I can see into the tub, but its a little blurry.