Choosing a size for new enclosure tank

Hey all,

I'm setting up a new enclosure for my BP and I can't really decide on the two sizes ...

I'm planning on going with a Boaphile cage, either the 422D or 322D. The measurements are as follows:

422D: 48L x 24D x 17.5H (in inches)
322D: 36L x 24D x 17.5H (in inches)

My BP is currently about 3 feet long, and hovering around 1700 grams. She's currently in a 41qt tub that I made myself and thought it's a good time to upgrade.

Reason why I ask is because I know the consensus is that BP's like cozy enclosures that aren't too large. I don't put any fancy stuff in her cage so all she has are two hides and the hygrometer/thermometer with paper towel substrate. Would going the bigger route be too big for her? She seems fine in her current 41 qt which measures about 36 inches in length but at times I feel like she feels a bit cramped since she's not always in her hide (the first 2.5 years I've had her, she pretty much stayed in her hide the whole time). She's never gone on hunger strikes and always shed in one piece so I don't think shes stressed out in her current set up. But I also don't want to get the larger enclosure and have her possibly go on a hunger strike (friend of mine swapped to a bigger enclosure and her snake didn't eat for like 8 months). Any suggestions would be great, thanks!

I would go with the smaller one, since you dont put anything in the tank except for hides and water bowl.
Big tanks are awesome, but require more to keep them cluttered with “cover” and more energy to maintain temps

I have my boas, carpet, and BRB in 4'x2' x 15-18" tall cages. Between large hides, and a bowl large enough to soak in, it takes up the room fast. Keep in mind that some BPs can get over 4' long also. I have an adult female that is pushing 4.5' at this point.

If it was me, I'd go ahead and go with the 4' long cage to give you room to position things how you want them and add a branch or fake plants if you so desire.

BTW, are you aware that boaphile can have a long lead time and can have poor communication via email? I've heard he does better when you actually call him and talk to him (he is old school). Nothing against the guy, just wanted to let you know the best way to contact him.

All of my cages are either AP or C-serpents.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

I would go with the smaller one, since you dont put anything in the tank except for hides and water bowl.
Big tanks are awesome, but require more to keep them cluttered with “cover” and more energy to maintain temps

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True that, I do have some issues keeping the ambient temperature up in the winter.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I have my boas, carpet, and BRB in 4'x2' x 15-18" tall cages. Between large hides, and a bowl large enough to soak in, it takes up the room fast. Keep in mind that some BPs can get over 4' long also. I have an adult female that is pushing 4.5' at this point.

If it was me, I'd go ahead and go with the 4' long cage to give you room to position things how you want them and add a branch or fake plants if you so desire.

BTW, are you aware that boaphile can have a long lead time and can have poor communication via email? I've heard he does better when you actually call him and talk to him (he is old school). Nothing against the guy, just wanted to let you know the best way to contact him.

All of my cages are either AP or C-serpents.

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Thanks for the heads up about the boaphile guy, I just like theirs because they offer it in white (which I was looking for unlike AP cages) and has a lot of single door options. Seems like AP is more for breeders so most of their cages to my knowledge come with dual doors.



I may end up getting the big one but I definitely don't want to add too much inside her enclosure as I want clean up to be as efficient as possible.. may have to do some more deep thinking before I make a decision.. thanks everyone!

I have all Boaphile tanks and they are phenomenal. Jeff will answer or call back ASAP if you call him. He really knows his stuff and will help you get a tank and heating setup perfect for you.

He dows generally answer emails. Says so on his site. Call him and you will be fine.

I have 5 6x2’ tanks stacked. No issues and work great and as advertised.

I don’t mean to buck anyone else’s advice, but I will tell you my experience.

I have a Boaphile 322 being used as a quarantine cage for my Olive Python. She is a skinny baby/juvie at 4.5 feet and already outgrowing it. I would not even consider putting my adult BP in there.

My BP is in a 4x2 and has some breathing room.

If you only want to buy once, I recommend the 422 even though the 322 will work for now.

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Originally Posted by Mittens

Thanks for the heads up about the boaphile guy, I just like theirs because they offer it in white (which I was looking for unlike AP cages) and has a lot of single door options. Seems like AP is more for breeders so most of their cages to my knowledge come with dual doors.

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I believe AP enclosures are available in white as well. Its an option on their ordering system. But, single doors/double doors, I can't comment on. Though, wouldn't be surprised if they do that as well, since they seem to accommodate all sorts of customizations if you call them.

I used to speak with Jeff quite a bit, we grew up in the same town. Great guy, makes some nice quality stuff and is quite knowledgeable. Can’t go wrong dealing with him, I’d go for the smaller, but that’s just me.