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.

I knew I was gonna get heat for this one!! One, I wasn't bashing glass. I was frustrated last night, at myself, and I was wishing I didn't try to outsmart experienced owners. I thought maybe other newbies that were on the same thought path of me when I got my girl, which was "tubs CANT be suitable enclosures" would benefit from knowing that tubs are just fine!

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

I knew I was gonna get heat for this one!! One, I wasn't bashing glass. I was frustrated last night, at myself, and I was wishing I didn't try to outsmart experienced owners. I thought maybe other newbies that were on the same thought path of me when I got my girl, which was "tubs CANT be suitable enclosures" would benefit from knowing that tubs are just fine!

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Tubs ARE fine, as long as it works for the keeper and the animal. Glass also works. It has FOR YEARS, for THOUSANDS of people and snakes.

But to say in big, bold letters "do NOT get a glass tank" when you've only got about 10 weeks of experience and zero basis for comparison is a bit irresponsible.

I've kept many pets since being a child and snakes (in glass) are by far the easiest pets I've ever kept. Fish, ferrets, cats, dogs, hamsters, rats, misc. lizards, turtles, etc...are all more work than a snake kept in glass.

So, just because you're frustrated doesn't mean other newbies shouldn't get glass. I spend less than 15 minutes/day on tank maintenance with my 4 current enclosures. If you can't swing 5 minutes a day per animal to make sure your husbandry is on point and your equipment is functioning properly then maybe you just don't have the time or willingness to care for an animal.
I've never kept tubs, but I can't imagine that one would shave much time off my daily enclosure upkeep.

Anyway, there's NOTHING wrong with glass, PVC, wood or tubs as long as it works for the keeper and the animal is healthy and proper husbandry is provided.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Tubs ARE fine, as long as it works for the keeper and the animal. Glass also works. It has FOR YEARS, for THOUSANDS of people and snakes.

But to say in big, bold letters "do NOT get a glass tank" when you've only got about 10 weeks of experience and zero basis for comparison is a bit irresponsible.

I've kept many pets since being a child and snakes (in glass) are by far the easiest pets I've ever kept. Fish, ferrets, cats, dogs, hamsters, rats, misc. lizards, turtles, etc...are all more work than a snake kept in glass.

So, just because you're frustrated doesn't mean other newbies shouldn't get glass. I spend less than 15 minutes/day on tank maintenance with my 4 current enclosures. If you can't swing 5 minutes a day per animal to make sure your husbandry is on point and your equipment is functioning properly then maybe you just don't have the time or willingness to care for an animal.
I've never kept tubs, but I can't imagine that one would shave much time off my daily enclosure upkeep.

Anyway, there's NOTHING wrong with glass, PVC, wood or tubs as long as it works for the keeper and the animal is healthy and proper husbandry is provided.

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I will apologize for saying "do not use glass tanks". It was irresponsible. The frustration was not from "not having time or willingness" it was from lugging a glass tank around to sanitize it for the 3rd time. My snake has the same priority level as every animal I have. In fact it's above some. Before I go to work and when I get home from work, I let the dogs out and then immediately check every part of my snakes enclosure. If it's right after a feeding I don't disturb her, I check all electronics and temp and humidity readings. If it's been a couple days after feedings I take her out and spot clean. Not to mention fresh water every day and I'm OCD so temp readings with the temp gun more often than I'd like to admit. Hope that meets your standards.

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Originally Posted by AnnieHeart

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

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I think that depends a lot on where you live. They can be a nightmare in dry climates. I live in a desert and it took me forever to get my glass enclosures where I like them. I had to try a lot of different things to keep humidity in before I found something that worked well, didn't require a lot of upkeep, and didn't look awful. Sure, there are a lot of different options out there if you research it, but finding the right one can be a hassle. If someone wants an easier setup, why knock it? Correct husbandry is more important than aesthetics.

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Originally Posted by B.P.'s 4me

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.

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And I wouldn't say that a rack removes all pleasure of seeing your snake. I use semi-clear tubs. While I can't get good pictures through them I still see my snakes quite often. I watch them slither all over the place when they're out and about, and you can't see them anyway when they're in a hide, not even if they are in a glass tank.

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For the record, I use tanks, glass terrariums, and plastic bins in a rack. I keep most of my snakes in racks, but I like to have a few on display. I've kept ball pythons in display tanks before, but lately I've been leaning toward keeping them in racks and displaying colubrids. They're just better suited for it.

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Originally Posted by bhsurf4

I will apologize for saying "do not use glass tanks". It was irresponsible. The frustration was not from "not having time or willingness" it was from lugging a glass tank around to sanitize it for the 3rd time. My snake has the same priority level as every animal I have. In fact it's above some. Before I go to work and when I get home from work, I let the dogs out and then immediately check every part of my snakes enclosure. If it's right after a feeding I don't disturb her, I check all electronics and temp and humidity readings. If it's been a couple days after feedings I take her out and spot clean. Not to mention fresh water every day and I'm OCD so temp readings with the temp gun more often than I'd like to admit. Hope that meets your standards.

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It's not about my standards, it's about the animal's well being.

I apologize if by wording my sentences with "you" it seemed like I was aiming them at YOU specifically. I was trying to throw a general net out there, but after re-reading it seems more personal than general.

I also appreciate you retracting your statement. I didn't mean to come down hard, but 10 weeks with 1 animal is a tiny sample size. If somebody likes the look of glass, they should go for it IF they have done ample research and can provide the time and effort to maintain proper husbandry.

Anyway, as long as the animals are well taken care of, I personally don't care which enclosure type others choose. It's simply what works best for them and the animal.

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Originally Posted by the_rotten1

I think that depends a lot on where you live. They can be a nightmare in dry climates. I live in a desert and it took me forever to get my glass enclosures where I like them. I had to try a lot of different things to keep humidity in before I found something that worked well, didn't require a lot of upkeep, and didn't look awful. Sure, there are a lot of different options out there if you research it, but finding the right one can be a hassle. If someone wants an easier setup, why knock it? Correct husbandry is more important than aesthetics.



And I wouldn't say that a rack removes all pleasure of seeing your snake. I use semi-clear tubs. While I can't get good pictures through them I still see my snakes quite often. I watch them slither all over the place when they're out and about, and you can't see them anyway when they're in a hide, not even if they are in a glass tank.

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For the record, I use tanks, glass terrariums, and plastic bins in a rack. I keep most of my snakes in racks, but I like to have a few on display. I've kept ball pythons in display tanks before, but lately I've been leaning toward keeping them in racks and displaying colubrids. They're just better suited for it.

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Solid reply top to bottom.

I am glad folks are successful with glass and voicing their opinions. Before I switched to PVC a few years ago I felt like a voice in the wilderness defending glass. Very few if any seemed to want to defend glass against the PVCers and Tubbers.

Even though the average humidity here is in the 70s, I’m not sure how important that is when living in a climate controlled house (central ac/heat).

Picking up tips here helped as well as experimenting with my own ideas. Don’t ever be afraid to experiment as long as it does not risk the health and well being of your animal.

I have to sadly admit, years ago my husbandry was about on par with the typical person on Craig’s List, and that is pitiful. The people on this site/forum have been a true blessing in educating me and countless others. Thank you!

Glassers, stand your ground! :)

I started out with a glass tank and wouldn't have it any other way. Humidity want an issue when I lived in Florida, but when I moved to California last year, I got familiar with sphagnum moss and it works like a charm. Mainly when she's in shed. Just have to try new things bud. Cheers.


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It all comes down to the climate you live in and what you need to do to manipulate your enclosure to ensure you have the proper temps and humidity, the enclosure(no matter what it's made out of) is just a container used to hold your animal. I can put my animals in a trash can and I will figure out some way to keep them correctly. it seems like somewhere along the way people started putting all their faith in the enclosure to keep everything correct and forgot or never learned how to use the numerous tools available us to get our animals environment correct.

Glass vs "other" has flipped flopped so many times(a lot more since the birth of the internet) I have lost count. Figure out how to manipulate your enclosure to work for you and pick the one that works with your time, situation and your viewing preference as long as the animal comes first.

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Originally Posted by Aztec4mia

It all comes down to the climate you live in and what you need to do to manipulate your enclosure to ensure you have the proper temps and humidity, the enclosure(no matter what it's made out of) is just a container used to hold your animal. I can put my animals in a trash can and I will figure out some way to keep them correctly. it seems like somewhere along the way people started putting all their faith in the enclosure to keep everything correct and forgot or never learned how to use the numerous tools available us to get our animals environment correct.

Glass vs "other" has flipped flopped so many times(a lot more since the birth of the internet) I have lost count. Figure out how to manipulate your enclosure to work for you and pick the one that works with your time, situation and your viewing preference as long as the animal comes first.

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I LOVE this reply!! Thanks for sharing!!

I love tank set ups, once you figure out how to manage them they are great, I also use a rack system as well.

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I started off with a glass tank also. I could never get temps or humidity right no matter how often I messed around with the setup. I just said screw it and bought an RB rack. Fixed both of my issues which was good for the animal and allowed me to stop stressing about it. However, as I have seen people say on here ever since I got into ball pythons you just have to do what works for you and your animal.

I use both glass and tubs. I agree that keeping humidity up in a glass tank is difficult but doable. I don't care for too much about being able to see my animal or that it can see me, unless it is an active, not shy animal. I keep my bp in a tub and it works great for me. It also works for him because he is a shy noodle. He explores his tub when he wants to (I moved him to a 41 qt tub with lots of fake plants for clutter) and I check on him once a day without having to worry about humidity or temp.

Other ideas on how to keep humidity up is using eco earth, cypress mulch, moss or add a humidity hide if you are worried the glass tank will get too damp, cover half the screen top, move the water bowl closer to the heat source, or use a humidifier.