Bins vs Tanks

[SpartaDog]

I know that for people with multiple reptiles prefer to keep them in bins in an organized rack than in a traditional tank, just for cost and cleaning ease.

But I always wondered, why is it that it's acceptable to put a full grown bp in a tub about 2 ft long, 8 in across, and 4 in high (That's a total guess), but it's pretty much demanded that they not be kept in any tank smaller than a 30 gal?

This isn't me complaining. I honestly want to know. It could save me a lot of hassle in the future.

[ImBooBy]

Well, for one, ball pythons do not need vertical space as they are not tree dwelling snakes. They like to stay on the ground and hide. You will waste alot of space by putting them in a high cage. My tubs are only 6inches high and they work fine. The amount of floor space they get in a large tub is enough for them. The reason fish tanks are not suitable for bps is because they are "big" but if you compare the floor space, they are no larger than a 41qt plastic tub used for adult bps. Plus inside a closed sided rack, less light is allowed in. And those are the reasons i use a tubs over tanks

[anatess]

FYI:

20 gallon long - 30"x12"X12"
30 gallon long - 36"x18"x12"

CB70 bin - 33.5"x17.5"x5.25"

A ball python is a ground dweller, therefore, height is not important. Floor dimension is. That's why most people will tell you to at least have 30L. You might be able to fit a male bp in a 20L but my male is too big for a 20L.

[sarahlovesmiike]

It's acceptable because it's all they need and all they want. Anything larger than a 40qt tub (for my guys) and they get stressed and go off feed.

1. They need short enclosures because they are not arboreal snakes, they can hurt themselves when provided the chance to climb up high in an escape attempt. The ONLY time you will see a ball climbing is if they are uncomfortable. 2. They like tight spaces, not wide open tanks.
3. Opaque tubs are great because the snake can't see out, whereas a tank is completely see-through.
4. Tubs are great for humidity and heat. It IS possible to keep tanks just right but it's a lot of wasted effort IMO.

I only have two BPs, but I wouldn't ever put either one of them in a tank.

[CoolioTiffany]

Looks like the nailed it^^^

Ball pythons are definitely terrestrial, and it is OK to have a branch or two in the tank but, IMO, I believe it's just an accident awaiting to happen. They aren't climbing, as said they are ground dwellers not needing height more than length.

But, that's not the reason why I keep my BPs in tubs vs. tanks.

I use tubs because: way easier to control temps & humidity, light in weight, easy to clean, less expensive, and it's stackable.

I believe tanks are only really good for showing off or keeping a display reptile/amphibian in it.

[anatess]

4. Tubs are great for humidity and heat. It IS possible to keep tanks just right but it's a lot of wasted effort IMO.

I only have two BPs, but I wouldn't ever put either one of them in a tank.

It is a lot more effort to maintain a tank set-up but it is not wasted effort if your purpose is to have a display vivarium.

I have 4 snakes that are in display vivs. All healthy.

BP's can outgrow a 20L, especially if you have a female. 30L is perfect. 40L for breeding.

[SpartaDog]

BP's can outgrow a 20L, especially if you have a female. 30L is perfect. 40L for breeding.

This is what I don't understand. I know they're terrestrial and I know that a tub is perfectly suitable for them. Though I didn't know the dimensions of an average tub, so that's one question.

But what I want to know now is why a generic 30 gal tank is generally seen as acceptable but a 20L, which has the same floorspace, is not. I've gathered from the above post that a 30L is better, but then why do most not complain about a 30?

[alexOATH]

This is what I don't understand. I know they're terrestrial and I know that a tub is perfectly suitable for them. Though I didn't know the dimensions of an average tub, so that's one question.

But what I want to know now is why a generic 30 gal tank is generally seen as acceptable but a 20L, which has the same floorspace, is not. I've gathered from the above post that a 30L is better, but then why do most not complain about a 30?

You're talking about a regular 30 gallon tall, we're talking about a 30 gallon breeder tank.

A 30 gallon breeder tank has the same floor space as a 40 gallon breeder, its just not quite as tall.

So 30 breeders actually have a lot more floor space than a 20 gallon long.

[moravaguy]

the one and only reason i switched is that my oldest was a stressed out mess of a snake for like 10 years, 2 weeks after being put in a tub she turned into the nicest snake i have. except at feeding time!!!!

as far as your 20L vs 30L question its probally the extra 6 inches wide the 30 is,which the tubs end up being that wide also? i guess. another thing is the tubs throw you off because they are so short, that what it was for me.

[sarahlovesmiike]

It is a lot more effort to maintain a tank set-up but it is not wasted effort if your purpose is to have a display vivarium.

I have 4 snakes that are in display vivs. All healthy.

I just feel like if someone wants a display animal they should get something other than a BP. Because, while they are awesome pets and some do fine (like yours) in nice displays that people can look at, others get very stressed out being looked in upon all the time. I couldn't get my male eating consistently for anything, then we moved and the snakes got their own room with no traffic, except for the daily water change and the cat, he began hiding all the time and eating every week.

Now I'm not saying that a BP shouldn't be in a display viv, I'm just saying that if you want a cool display pet I wouldn't recommend a Ball Python.