Benefits of snake enclosures vs aquariums

I've been considering what enclosure to get for my snake. I've seen people talking about two popular companies that make enclosures for snakes (don't remember what). I can buy a large aquarium ~40 gallons for relatively cheap. Is there a reason I should spend $100+ on an enclosure? I've heard aquariums don't have enough depth, but I think a 40 gal tank should have decent floor space for a snake.

One word for you, weight. I have a few 40 gallon terrariums for snakes. And one 40 gallon aquarium for fish, but it has a snake in it. It’s so darn heavy and hard to move. Spend the money, save yourself a back ace.


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If you live in the majority of North America where winter isn't exactly tropical snake friendly, a glass tank is going to make you work extra hard to keep things perfect. Since getting my pvc enclosure for my ball python I have not had to worry about husbandry conditions. After 7 years I got tired of glass.

What enclosure would you recommend?

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Originally Posted by Glass

What enclosure would you recommend?

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for a BP: http://www.apcages.com/home/terrestrial/T8/T8.htm

heres another reputable brand im pretty sure but i dont know what size would be proper for a BP

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile-cages/


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Not all snakes require the same enclosure. My ball python is in a 4x2x 15' high pvc, my rosy boa is in a 20 long glass tank and my GTP will be in a 2x2x2 pvc cube while she grows and eventually a 3x2x2 pvc

Glass is good for temperate species and low humidity snakes like rosy boas, hognose, and some north american colubrids

Sorry I didn't clarify. I'm getting a ball python.

PVC.....easier husbandry

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Originally Posted by Glass

What enclosure would you recommend?

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For a ball python, I would highly recommend:

http://www.apcages.com/home/terrestrial/T10/T10.htm

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile...ge-ships-flat/

Either of those would be great for an adult ball python. I would not recommend an aquarium for the following reasons:

1. Glass is extremely heavy, especially with substrate in it.

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Originally Posted by dylan815

One word for you, weight.

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2. If you go with the glass aquarium you will likely either need a custom lid or have to foil/wrap a portion of it to keep in humidity. Glass itself holds humidity fine, but few commercial terrariums come with humidity appropriate lids.

3. Glass has a higher thermal conductivity, which makes it a poorer insulator than plastic. Also, the plastic in the above enclosures is much thicker than aquarium glass so, in short, keeping in heat is much easier with thick plastic.

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Originally Posted by Regius_049

For a ball python, I would highly recommend:

http://www.apcages.com/home/terrestrial/T10/T10.htm

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile...ge-ships-flat/

Either of those would be great for an adult ball python. I would not recommend an aquarium for the following reasons:

1. Glass is extremely heavy, especially with substrate in it.



2. If you go with the glass aquarium you will likely either need a custom lid or have to foil/wrap a portion of it to keep in humidity. Glass itself holds humidity fine, but few commercial terrariums come with humidity appropriate lids.

3. Glass has a higher thermal conductivity, which makes it a poorer insulator than plastic. Also, the plastic in the above enclosures is much thicker than aquarium glass so, in short, keeping in heat is much easier with thick plastic.

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i can attest to the humidity, it was insanely hard to keep the humidity in a glass tank above 30% unless my room itself was humid.

weight can be an issue for some, i can personally lift a 40 breeder critter cage by myself, its just an awkward thing to carry. then again, ive never owned a PVC enclosure, ive built all of mine out of wood (talk about heavy)

if you wanted to, you could go out and buy thin acrylic to put over the top screen. will cost you $20-$30 at Home Depot. this might help keep in humidity, cant say for sure though, just an idea.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Regius_049

For a ball python, I would highly recommend:

http://www.apcages.com/home/terrestrial/T10/T10.htm

http://www.reptilebasics.com/reptile...ge-ships-flat/

Either of those would be great for an adult ball python. I would not recommend an aquarium for the following reasons:

1. Glass is extremely heavy, especially with substrate in it.



2. If you go with the glass aquarium you will likely either need a custom lid or have to foil/wrap a portion of it to keep in humidity. Glass itself holds humidity fine, but few commercial terrariums come with humidity appropriate lids.

3. Glass has a higher thermal conductivity, which makes it a poorer insulator than plastic. Also, the plastic in the above enclosures is much thicker than aquarium glass so, in short, keeping in heat is much easier with thick plastic.

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Are there any cheaper options for an enclosure like this? I can drop $250 on it if I have to, but I would prefer not to if it isn't necessary.

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Originally Posted by Glass

Are there any cheaper options for an enclosure like this? I can drop $250 on it if I have to, but I would prefer not to if it isn't necessary.

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You could always check your local classifieds or FB groups to see if there are any used ones. What about a tub?

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Originally Posted by MD_Pythons

You could always check your local classifieds or FB groups to see if there are any used ones. What about a tub?

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I took a look on my craigslist and only found glass terrariums/tanks. I'll try to look for a local group. Are there any places you would recommend?

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Originally Posted by baldegale

i can attest to the humidity, it was insanely hard to keep the humidity in a glass tank above 30% unless my room itself was humid.

weight can be an issue for some, i can personally lift a 40 breeder critter cage by myself, its just an awkward thing to carry. then again, ive never owned a PVC enclosure, ive built all of mine out of wood (talk about heavy)

if you wanted to, you could go out and buy thin acrylic to put over the top screen. will cost you $20-$30 at Home Depot. this might help keep in humidity, cant say for sure though, just an idea.


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“Talk about heavy”
I feel ya, I built my 6ft by 3ft retic tank out of 3/4 inch melamine before moving down two flights of stairs.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d3d633d6b3.jpg

I agree that humidity is very hard to keep up in an aquarium. Pay the little more money and get the right thing that will work the best.


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Originally Posted by dylan815

“Talk about heavy”
I feel ya, I built my 6ft by 3ft retic tank out of 3/4 inch melamine before moving down two flights of stairs.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d3d633d6b3.jpg

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i had an 8ftx4ftx3ft tortoise tank that was made out of half inch plywood and like 8 2x4s that thing was IMPOSSIBLE to move. now i have a 4ftx2ftx2ft bearded dragon tank made out of 1/4in ply, 2x2s and plexi, and a 5ftx2ftx2ft tortoise tank made out of 1/2in ply and 2x2s. hes going outside during the summer though


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You can always tub it.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

You can always tub it.

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this too. tubs are super easy to set up and definitely cheap.


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heres a good thread on getting a tub set up: Vypyrz Tub Set-Up, The Basics...*DUW*
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sha...5&share_type=t


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Tub with same footprint as a 40-breeder with a secure lid. Put a large under-tank heater regulated by a thermostat under it and call it done.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-100-Q...g-Lid/50150118

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Originally Posted by Glass

Are there any cheaper options for an enclosure like this? I can drop $250 on it if I have to, but I would prefer not to if it isn't necessary.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

You can always tub it.

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You can provide all the husbandry requirements you'll need in a tub, it just won't look as pretty. They make large tubs that work for adult ball pythons.

You can use this one:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Tub with same footprint as a 40-breeder with a secure lid. Put a large under-tank heater regulated by a thermostat under it and call it done.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-100-Q...g-Lid/50150118

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Or,in my opinion, a better choice is a Christmas tree tub:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/IRIS-Holi...x-Red/55526277

They sell them at a variety of places (Walmart, Lowes, Container Store, etc.) and they are only like $30-$40. They are roughly the same size as the two PVC enclosures I suggested previously (52" x 21" x 14").

Having a ton of aquariums through seahorse breeding, rat breeding, and snakes... I'll say it outright.

Don't get the aquarium. You'll curse every time you have to clean it, every time you have to move it, when you accidentally crack it and have to decide whether it's a "replace the whole thing" or "make do" crack.... which will invariably be a "replace it" in the end. You'll struggle to keep humidity, you'll have to black out three sides anyway, and overall, they're just a hassle.

The most money usually goes to the thermostat to control the temps of your heat source. PVC or tubs both work great and tubs cut your cost and you can always upgrade later to a pricier cage if you want to.

I'm sure it's been said, but I wanted to weigh in for the pro-side of PVC and other non-glass alternatives.

Glass tanks:

• Don't hold in heat well at all, even if you insulate 3 sides with black foam core board and foil the screen lid
• Requires more heating via CHE which = more drying out of the inside
• Because of the drying, humidity is a battle, especially if your room ambient humity is low
• The glass itself is cold if your room ambient temp is below 75 degrees
• They're heavy as all get out...
• They're often not wide enough for an adult BP, which needs 16" min for the narrow side.

PVC, Sealed Wood, or Tubs

• Holds heat and humidity in beautifully even if they have a glass front (if there aren't too big of ventilation cut outs)
  
  • Freestanding tubs need higher ambient room temp (75+) or a CHE on a stand above the lid, but even with a CHE, humidity is better than glass.
  
  
• Because of this, you can use much less substrate or even paper sheets or paper towels, making cleaning a breeze
• Tubs are super cheap and DIY sealed wood is generally affordable. Racks are pricey, but can hold a lot of animals and maintenance is stupidly easy
• Much lighter to move and IMO, PVC enclosures are much prettier and more professional looking.
• Easier to install things inside since you can screw into the sides

I have PVC enclosures from Animal Plastics and BRACE Exotics. Also a slant front from NPI and two DIY custom wood enclosures. I have a few freestanding tubs for quarantine and transport. I have a glass tank for my turtles... ;)

I'll weigh in by saying this:

This will be my last winter keeping anything other than my Kingsnake and my hognose in glass. And even they may end up moving.
It simply has become a pain in the rear end. Granted, the cold has been ridiculous this year and this year is the worst I can remember for heat/humidity. But, as my collection grows and I get older I just want to make things easier on myself, and in turn, better for my snakes.

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Originally Posted by Reposado

I'm sure it's been said, but I wanted to weigh in for the pro-side of PVC and other non-glass alternatives.

Glass tanks:

• Don't hold in heat well at all, even if you insulate 3 sides with black foam core board and foil the screen lid
• Requires more heating via CHE which = more drying out of the inside
• Because of the drying, humidity is a battle, especially if your room ambient humity is low
• The glass itself is cold if your room ambient temp is below 75 degrees
• They're heavy as all get out...
• They're often not wide enough for an adult BP, which needs 16" min for the narrow side.

PVC, Sealed Wood, or Tubs

• Holds heat and humidity in beautifully even if they have a glass front (if there aren't too big of ventilation cut outs)
  
  • Freestanding tubs need higher ambient room temp (75+) or a CHE on a stand above the lid, but even with a CHE, humidity is better than glass.
  
  
• Because of this, you can use much less substrate or even paper sheets or paper towels, making cleaning a breeze
• Tubs are super cheap and DIY sealed wood is generally affordable. Racks are pricey, but can hold a lot of animals and maintenance is stupidly easy
• Much lighter to move and IMO, PVC enclosures are much prettier and more professional looking.
• Easier to install things inside since you can screw into the sides

I have PVC enclosures from Animal Plastics and BRACE Exotics. Also a slant front from NPI and two DIY custom wood enclosures. I have a few freestanding tubs for quarantine and transport. I have a glass tank for my turtles... ;)

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only thing i have to say, i have two custom wood enclosures aswell, and boy oh boy they are HEAVY


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by baldegale

only thing i have to say, i have two custom wood enclosures aswell, and boy oh boy they are HEAVY


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Ha, very true. They work great if you own your home and you have some of the larger breeds though. Large PVC enclosures are super pricey and PVC sheets are tricky to work with for a novice DIY person. My Burms are in wood enclosures with glass fronts.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'll weigh in by saying this:

This will be my last winter keeping anything other than my Kingsnake and my hognose in glass. And even they may end up moving.
It simply has become a pain in the rear end. Granted, the cold has been ridiculous this year and this year is the worst I can remember for heat/humidity. But, as my collection grows and I get older I just want to make things easier on myself, and in turn, better for my snakes.

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Same here. My rosy is in a 20 gallon long while he grows but even he will be getting a pvc enclosure this year. Sick and tired of glass.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reposado

Ha, very true. They work great if you own your home and you have some of the larger breeds though. Large PVC enclosures are super pricey and PVC sheets are tricky to work with for a novice DIY person. My Burms are in wood enclosures with glass fronts.

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neither of my current ones are for a snake.. my one is for a bearded dragon and the other is for a tortoise! i might build a smaller one for my hognose as i like the way they look better than glass tanks.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Reposado

I'm sure it's been said, but I wanted to weigh in for the pro-side of PVC and other non-glass alternatives.

Glass tanks:

• Don't hold in heat well at all, even if you insulate 3 sides with black foam core board and foil the screen lid
• Requires more heating via CHE which = more drying out of the inside
• Because of the drying, humidity is a battle, especially if your room ambient humity is low
• The glass itself is cold if your room ambient temp is below 75 degrees
• They're heavy as all get out...
• They're often not wide enough for an adult BP, which needs 16" min for the narrow side.

PVC, Sealed Wood, or Tubs

• Holds heat and humidity in beautifully even if they have a glass front (if there aren't too big of ventilation cut outs)
  
  • Freestanding tubs need higher ambient room temp (75+) or a CHE on a stand above the lid, but even with a CHE, humidity is better than glass.
  
  
• Because of this, you can use much less substrate or even paper sheets or paper towels, making cleaning a breeze
• Tubs are super cheap and DIY sealed wood is generally affordable. Racks are pricey, but can hold a lot of animals and maintenance is stupidly easy
• Much lighter to move and IMO, PVC enclosures are much prettier and more professional looking.
• Easier to install things inside since you can screw into the sides

I have PVC enclosures from Animal Plastics and BRACE Exotics. Also a slant front from NPI and two DIY custom wood enclosures. I have a few freestanding tubs for quarantine and transport. I have a glass tank for my turtles... ;)

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how do you seal the wood? is a RHP needed for wood then?

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Originally Posted by SDA

Same here. My rosy is in a 20 gallon long while he grows but even he will be getting a pvc enclosure this year. Sick and tired of glass.

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I'll hang on to some of my glass, but it will be strictly used for quarantine with new additions.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I'll hang on to some of my glass, but it will be strictly used for quarantine with new additions.

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yup!!! spare Q tank as needed. [emoji6]

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Originally Posted by MrBeeBow

how do you seal the wood? is a RHP needed for wood then?

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You can either cover it with waterproof contact sheets, think vinyl or some other food-safe plastic, paint with a non-toxic sealer or paint (like high gloss bathroom/kitchen paint), or line it with another plastic-type material like those sheets you see in public restrooms. I've seen the thin plastic sheets at Home Depot and Lowes. You just want something to keep the humidity from warping the wood over time or soaking it up. Use bathroom caulking to seal the seems and any screw holes.

RHPs work great or you can install a CHE and put a lighting cage over it to keep the snake off of it.

I very recently switched from a glass tank to a PVC tank. Aside from the heat and humidity issues already mentioned with glass tanks, I was getting very tired of having to take the entire lid off every time I needed into the tank. The whole top screen had to come off, but my CHE was attached to it, so I had to rest it diagonally across the top of the tank to prevent burning anything with the bulb. This left very little room to reach in and do anything, and it got to be really difficult for me to get my snake out. Not to mention, I needed two hands to move the lid, so I'd either leave the lid off the whole time he was out or ask my boyfriend to help me. The front doors on my new PVC enclosure are so much nicer and easier to work with, and the temperature and humidity levels are much easier to maintain.

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Originally Posted by elleon

I very recently switched from a glass tank to a PVC tank. Aside from the heat and humidity issues already mentioned with glass tanks, I was getting very tired of having to take the entire lid off every time I needed into the tank. The whole top screen had to come off, but my CHE was attached to it, so I had to rest it diagonally across the top of the tank to prevent burning anything with the bulb. This left very little room to reach in and do anything, and it got to be really difficult for me to get my snake out. Not to mention, I needed two hands to move the lid, so I'd either leave the lid off the whole time he was out or ask my boyfriend to help me. The front doors on my new PVC enclosure are so much nicer and easier to work with, and the temperature and humidity levels are much easier to maintain.

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Still one of the "dinosaurs" using 40 gallon breeder terrariums for my snakes. lol Yes they're a pain but when you do establish balance with them heat-wise and humidity-wise, they are beautiful to look at.

As to the persnickety problem of having to remove the entire screen to get inside the terrarium, a friend who owns a pet store in town turned me onto screens that pivot on the middle. You can access the tank on one side and leave everything untouched on the other side. I'd like to shake to hand of the person who invented it! lol He or she made my life a whole lot easier when it comes to caring for my snakes. :-)

<><Peace

PVC, it's less of a hassle.

Cleaning and maintaining glass enclosures is quite the hassle !!

Esp. if you have to "mist" regularly. If you get any of the mist on the glass, it will eventually turn spotty, and its not fun to remove water spots from glass. If you ever want to do a thorough cleaning or sanitizing, gosh, the weight !! Not to mention, its glass, so you have to be so careful around it, too.

With the prices of reptile enclosures being so reasonable, I can't think of one good reason to have a glass enclosure with a species like that. Unless one happens to have a glass enclosure laying around already.

I wouldn't go out and buy one, though..