Looking at getting a GTP.

We are looking at getting a GTP maybe two. We have a 75 gallon aquarium that we are looking at putting a divider down the middle of making two enclosures 24"L X 18"D X 20"T. I am looking at lining the bottom and back of the aquarium with 11" flexwatt on a proportional T-stat set to 80 degrees to keep the tank ambient in that range.

Now the questions:
1. What type of top would be best? A screen, plexi-glass with breathing holes, or something else. I was thinking of building a top that would house a radiant heat panel at the top with a screen between it and the snake and a second proportional T-stat on the screen set to put the temp on the top perch at 90 degrees.

2. What type of substrate is recommended?

3. How do people keep the humidity up? A misting system, something else, or is anything more than a large water dish needed.

4. Is any lighting and what kind needed? Multi spectrum, Coral type bulbs, something else, or nothing more than some light that may enter the room.

5. Which is easier to feed live or frozen hopper mice? How often? Any special tips in feeding?

6. Can more than one be housed together? If I need the divider is it OK to keep it clear or should it be opaque for between tow GTP's?

I'm sure I'll have tons more questions, but I want to get the enclosure up and running before we start looking at actually getting one.

I have never housed Chondro's in aquariums so im not much help, But RHP's are your best bet with a glass tank, just a thought. However i think alot of info your looking for could be found in "the more complete chondro" by greg maxwell, read it twice;). As far as humidity, the method i use is dew point temperature (greg shroeder is the man), and my one and only neo i just keep his paper towels wet (6qt tub). Temps, high of 88 - 79(gradient), night time low 82 -79 its some times lower depending on what florida weather feels like doing:weirdface.

http://sprucenubblefarm.com/chondros...ncaresheet.php

are you prepared to not be able to handle them for about the first year of their life? if you are looking into a GTP i would seriously do your research and make sure you understand everything that goes into a GTP,

I wanted to get a GTP but didn't because of a) they have to be misted daily, for they drink from their coils and I wouldn't be able to do this with vacations and such and b) they are quite fragile.

Instead, I went with a JCP and I couldn't be happier. They're hardy, beautiful, and super nice animals.

Get the Greg Maxwell book "The More Complete Chondro" - CHondros are great but you need to set them up properly - they have very special needs for humidity, temp, etc - what you've outlined is not an optimal set up.
Do your research - you need to give the reptile what THEY need - not what's convenient for you - Greg does a great job telling you just that in teh book.

I have to agree :bow: Greg Maxwell is the man - he knows his Gtp.
If u don’t have the book (get it):gj:
But you can also use his website for general care info:

http://www.finegtps.com/Care_sheets.html

Here is some info on cages too
http://www.finegtps.com/cageplans.htm

Ok so u want a Gtp... I assume it will be a baby... a neonate which means NO way can u cage it in an aquarium. It needs to be in like a shoe box tub for some time. Neonate should not go in a display cage till they are at least a yearling it’s really best for your baby. Also I don’t recommend an aquarium as the humidity needs to stay high. U need to have the right amount of airflow with heat with moisture for this and I don’t feel the aquarium will provide this.
Coming to the forums was a great way to ask and get info.
It’s time to do some research on your part read some of the care info on Greg’s web site.
See what the care requires.
I have seen people keep Gtp in aquarium and their sheds were not good and I have even seen one at a local pet store grounded because of it.
The right cage for the right age is important right heat and humidity like with all snakes – Gtp just need special care. With the right knowledge you will be a great parent.
Good luck and let us know what u go with! If I can help u out in any way let me know!:)

GTP are alot of work, trust me i got one and it was not really what i expected. When i got him he was in a glass type enclosure, it SUCKED. They dont hold heat, or humidity and you still have to cover the sides to keep there stress level down. Mind you this was a well established sub-adult. Shortly after i ordered a arboreal cage, made of some sort of plastic, has adjustable vents in the rear, perches are all mounted. They have rediant heat panels installed and the light. This works so much better! It is the only way to go. Do alot of research and read everything you can, but once you have a well established green tree it is amazing, mine is as tame as any ball python. Good Luck.

I've been keeping chondros since 1995 and I have never looked back. They are THE MOST SIMPLE snakes I've ever had to care for. Anyone that has trouble with keeping them is doing something wrong. The only reason anyone should have any difficulty would be due to buying an animal that is too young. I DO NOT recommend buying anything under 6-12 months old for your first chondro. I normally do not sell mine unless they have had a minimum of 20 feedings on frozen thawed.

As for keeping them in "glass", it can be done with ease as long as everything is in check. My usual 6-12 month quarantine protocal involves 10 gallon aquariums with plexi tops. I have kept chondros in aquariums for up to 2 years during quarantine. Also just another tidbit, THE LARGEST producer of chondros in the U.S. keeps ALL of his breeders in GLASS tanks with SCREEN tops and fronts. He also uses light bulbs for heat. Granted, his setup has been tweeked over the years and works for him. Not everyone will have the same successful results. I personally use lightbulbs for heat as well, but melamine for cage material.

As mentioned, once established, they are a breeze to keep and will quickly become addictive. If you can keep a jungle carpet, you can keep chondros......and I definitely prefer the latter.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF8582.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF8572.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...DSCF7899-1.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF7905.jpg
and a med breeder cage setup.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF8477.jpg
Just thought I'd include a few pics of animals I've produced to persuade you a bit. lol.

Enjoy.

i fully agree with brandon. if you setup your cage right then you should have not problem. i just returned from a 8 day vacay and my chondro was fine. the misting daily is not really true. i mist mine once a week and it has had perfect sheds up until i installed a heater in my snake room. i lucked out and got a baby that ate right away but i suggest you go with an older well established snake.

i housed mine in an exo-terra cage that was modified to hold humidity and it had a RHP. I would highly recomend going with a RHP for these guys. it will pay off in the long run!

For what it's worth - they are NOT difficult to keep - IF you do your homework and give the animal what it needs!

I really want to stand behind the person who says to make the animal happy and not what works for you. You're doing your research and that's great! I hate to disagree with people here who are right, but the Maxwell book is 55 bucks. Go to Signalherp.com and order his 10 dollar book. Rico has been doing this for a very long time, his book is short and sweet. If you get a book and decide that chondro's aren't for you don't be out a lot of money.

I have the great respect for both Greg and Rico, but they do things totally opposite of one another...in every sense of chondro keeping. Although Greg's book has some great info, it is his opinion. Rico keeps all his breeders in GLASS tanks with screen tops and screen fronts. He uses overhead lightbulbs for heat. Yet, he is the most successful chondro and emerald breeder in the U.S.

Again, both are great at what they do, but there is more than one way to keep chondros. I just want to point that out. Buy both books as well as the Kivit and Wiseman book and you should get all the info you need minus experience. Experience is the best tool for learning. Hopefully you don't make any major mistakes and things work out best for the animals.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandon Osborne

I have the great respect for both Greg and Rico, but they do things totally opposite of one another...in every sense of chondro keeping. Although Greg's book has some great info, it is his opinion. Rico keeps all his breeders in GLASS tanks with screen tops and screen fronts. He uses overhead lightbulbs for heat. Yet, he is the most successful chondro and emerald breeder in the U.S.

Again, both are great at what they do, but there is more than one way to keep chondros. I just want to point that out. Buy both books as well as the Kivit and Wiseman book and you should get all the info you need minus experience. Experience is the best tool for learning. Hopefully you don't make any major mistakes and things work out best for the animals.

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Amen brother!
:D

Just my experience, although I have an emerald, Rico has answered any questions or concerns I have had and I didn't even get the animal from him. He really cares about the animals and i'm sure he will help you out as well. When I get a female in the next summer for my male, it will def. be from him.

I agree with brandon. They are some really great book out there I personally stand behind a few of them but Gregs book helped me out alot . but rico is incredible and knows what he is talking about.
get some knowledge and youll be great to your new baby!:gj: