BP size vs Tank size

I'm looking at rescuing a ball python for a local reptile rescue and also getting my glass terrarium off Craigslist to save monies.

Since this will be my first snake setup, I'm slowly having to learn what's needed and such.

What I haven't seen mentioned is the size of tank needed. Looks like most ppl suggest a 20g long tank, and then a few think a 10g is fine as well.

The BP I'll be adopting is 2ft long according to the rescuer. She has a second that's 2 and half feet long, but I assume smaller=younger, and I'm wanting a young snake.

Would a 10g work? Or should I stick to finding only a 20g long tank?

A 10 gal. will work for a 2 footer. For babies 10 gallons, and for sub-adult and adults a 20 gallon long is fine.

A 10 gallon tank will work. And a 10 gallon tank is pretty easy to maintain temps and humidity. That said, a two foot BP in a 10 gallon tank is about my limit. I would just go with the 20. You will be amazed how fast your new baby grows!!!

Also, you should have whatever you plan on using set up and maintaining steady temps and proper humidity BEFORE you get your snake. Don't make him suffer while you figure it out.

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Originally Posted by Kitzira

I'm looking at rescuing a ball python for a local reptile rescue and also getting my glass terrarium off Craigslist to save monies.

Since this will be my first snake setup, I'm slowly having to learn what's needed and such.

What I haven't seen mentioned is the size of tank needed. Looks like most ppl suggest a 20g long tank, and then a few think a 10g is fine as well.

The BP I'll be adopting is 2ft long according to the rescuer. She has a second that's 2 and half feet long, but I assume smaller=younger, and I'm wanting a young snake.

Would a 10g work? Or should I stick to finding only a 20g long tank?

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A good trick to remember is the length of the tank should be at least 2/3 of the length of the snake. A 10 gal is a good start for a baby BP but you can start with a 20 gal and upgrade as you wish. But keep in mind, the bigger the tank, the harder it is for the snake to adjust and you might want to load up the tank with plants and logs to provide security.

I just spotted a 29 gallon tank for $30 on craigslist. I emailed the guy for proper dimensions and a photo of it, as I've never heard of a 29 gallon. o.O

And yes, I'm gonna get everything pre-setup before getting the snake. I'm hoping that I can visit the rescue this week, see the two BP she has and talk about what they like.

The 29 gallon tank is actually a bit too big. I hate to be picky here but having the right enclosure is probably the single most important thing. Keep in mind that some tanks come in either long or tall sizes. Tall tanks should be avoided. The 20 long is a real good bet if you can find one. Tubs are another option. They are cheap and snakes seem to like them just fine. I use both.

Oh, by the way, WELCOME to the site!!! I just noticed.

I should mention that a rescued snake can lead to a lot of work and money if there are health problems (and there are likely to be). It's nice that you want to save a snake, but be prepared with your check book if you don't buy from a reputable breeder.

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Originally Posted by Jenn

The 29 gallon tank is actually a bit too big. I hate to be picky here but having the right enclosure is probably the single most important thing. Keep in mind that some tanks come in either long or tall sizes. Tall tanks should be avoided. The 20 long is a real good bet if you can find one. Tubs are another option. They are cheap and snakes seem to like them just fine. I use both.

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Ditto that on the tubs. Plastic tubs are MUCH MUCH easier to maintain temps and humidity, as well as being small and low enough to offer a good sense of security to the little guy. And you can go to Walmart, Target, or any other department store and pick one up for $5-10. Just drill or melt holes in the tub for airflow, add heat and hides, and you're pretty much set...

Okay.. the 29 gallon (if it really is that) is to big. Sad 'cause it's the best priced one so far I've found.

I really don't want to do the tub way.. I'd like others to see the python and if I see him, I'm more likely to handle him and such. A tub sounds more like 'out of sight out of mind.'

The rescue lady says they were a bit thin when they came in, but they're eating f/t just fine now.

I cannot find a breeder nearby (I'm in Houston) that's good... and not out to get a few thousand off a pretty morph. I also don't want to get ones from petshops, even if there is a reptile-only shop here. I went and was completely turned off by them selling kittens (mamma cat was next to the cage), and 2 baby rabbits on Cedar bedding.

I've cared for a BP a few years ago. My boyfriend's sister has one, and when she was in the college dorm, my best friend and I cared for it at our apartment. It's just that that one came with all the required things to care for him. This one I hafta start a-new!

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Originally Posted by Kitzira

Okay.. the 29 gallon (if it really is that) is to big. Sad 'cause it's the best priced one so far I've found.

I really don't want to do the tub way.. I'd like others to see the python and if I see him, I'm more likely to handle him and such. A tub sounds more like 'out of sight out of mind.'

The rescue lady says they were a bit thin when they came in, but they're eating f/t just fine now.

I cannot find a breeder nearby (I'm in Houston) that's good... and not out to get a few thousand off a pretty morph. I also don't want to get ones from petshops, even if there is a reptile-only shop here. I went and was completely turned off by them selling kittens (mamma cat was next to the cage), and 2 baby rabbits on Cedar bedding.

I've cared for a BP a few years ago. My boyfriend's sister has one, and when she was in the college dorm, my best friend and I cared for it at our apartment. It's just that that one came with all the required things to care for him. This one I hafta start a-new!

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Ball Pythons hide for most of day so I'm not sure how often you'll see it anyway. Also, you should think about what is best for the snake before what you want.

I'm glad to hear that you have some experience. And I couldn't agree more about the tanks vs the tubs. Tanks can be harder to maintain temps and humitity but once you figure it out it's no big deal. And I just love to sit in the snake room at night and watch them all out and about.

A few weeks ago I got a really nice rack and filled it right up. But now I'm moving some of the larger females back into tanks. The folks here are pretty sharply divided on the issue but I do love my tanks.

That's good, 'cause I either work all day or sleep all day, depending on work schedule.

Most ppl have their snakes out in well decorated tanks, I don't want to hide him in the bedroom 'cause a tub looks ugly in the living room.

When I had my pet rats, they were in a separate room 'cause I was having allergy problems when they were in my room. Because of that, they didn't get as much attention or cage cleanings 'cause I didn't see them.

I have my balls in 29 gal tanks and they are under 2'7".... I would say they are hard to heat and they retain very little humidity. I will be switching them to tubs as soon as my man finishes his project. I would also say that if you got the 29 you would need a humid hide and some tin foil to put over half the screen top to keep in some extra humidity. Thats what I do... Its a hastle in the winter though if you don't have a thermostat... it was aweful but I finally got one so we are in buisness over here. i admit that my baby ball is less than 2 feet and she has her own but man is she a mover! She is always climbing on her bushes. Thats how i get away with having such a big cage for a small snake. I have TONS of plants. my balls love their plants much more than their hides cause they can coil up in them making it almost impossible to see them and get them out. Oh well my snakes are happy healthy snakes so in the end I'm doing something right.

Pandora

What kind of plants do you have for them that they hide in?

how long will a 20 gallon last a hatchling until you need upgrade to something bigger?