20 Gal. Long Tank?

[A7XSynX42]

My BP is about 20" long. But I thought since they get like 3-4' I'd get a big tank (40 gal. long). Now since I've been comming to this site I've heard of people usuing 20Ls.. Is that really big enough? I have my Leopard Gecko in a 20L and he loves to run, climb and explore. So I was thinking of cleaning both and putting my BP in the 20L and my Leo in the 40L. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[blackcrystal22]

Ball pythons are different than lizards in that no matter how big of a cage you put them in, they will curl up in their favorite corner and stay there.

Most snakes are like that. Ball pythons need nothing bigger than a 20g, and anything bigger is most likely very hard to regulate temps and humidity. Too much room can also be stressful as balls like tight enclosed spaces.

[Argentra]

Well, maybe not NOTHING bigger. I know of some females that would be cramped in anything smaller than a 30 breeder.

But, mostly that's true. BPs don't need a ton of room like Boas or giant pythons. A 20 long should be just right for most, if not all, of its life. Especially if your snake is a male.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

A 20 long is good to start with. If you get a male it will probably work for the entire life of the snake. If you get a female it almost certainly will have to be replaced with something bigger in time.... but you should still start out with it.. or something even smaller.

[blackcrystal22]

Well, maybe not NOTHING bigger. I know of some females that would be cramped in anything smaller than a 30 breeder.

But, mostly that's true. BPs don't need a ton of room like Boas or giant pythons. A 20 long should be just right for most, if not all, of its life. Especially if your snake is a male.

You know how I exaggerate.

It's true if you have a huge female, a 20 long might not be big enough, though a lot of breeders keep all their adults in 32q all their lives. :/

[Mike Cavanaugh]

though a lot of breeders keep all their adults in 32q all their lives. :/

Don't think this is true. Most breeders keep their female breeders in CB70 or 41 quart tubs.

[Argentra]

41qt tubs are very close to the size of a 20long tank... just an FYI.

I myself prefer to give any snake as much room as A) I have available. B) As they will accept without being stressed.

Since most of my BPs love to stretch out and lift their heads, they are all in enclosures at least 10" high if not 12". But I never go higher than 12" for a non-climber.

And yes, Blackcrystal, I know how you exaggerate.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

A CB70 tub is 33.5" x 17.75"

a 20 long is only 30" x 12"....


Doesn't sound like a big difference, but the difference is HUGE. That means that a CB70 is 50% wider... and 15% longer.

[blackcrystal22]

Don't think this is true. Most breeders keep their female breeders in CB70 or 41 quart tubs.

Not saying I would personally put them in a 32q, but whenever I ask adult tub size usually I get some 32s, 41s, and CB70s.
It depends on the person. I will probably go with 41q for now until I decide to get deeper rack that'll allow for CB70s.

41qt tubs are very close to the size of a 20long tank... just an FYI.

I myself prefer to give any snake as much room as A) I have available. B) As they will accept without being stressed.

Since most of my BPs love to stretch out and lift their heads, they are all in enclosures at least 10" high if not 12". But I never go higher than 12" for a non-climber.

And yes, Blackcrystal, I know how you exaggerate.

I'm not very good at really thinking before I type.
I realize that A LOT after I re-read my posts.

[Texas Dan]

I have 2 males, both in 20L tanks. Doing excellent. Haven't been here in a while, think I made a bunch of people angry last time I was here. Decided to start coming back, maybe I'm forgiven.

Just make sure in the 20L you have a good amount of "stuff" in there. I have a little tree in each tank with a bunch of fake vines. Works out nicely. Also a branch for them to crawl on at night. I should post some new enclosure pictures. Plus, Vincent is getting BIIG!