Is it good to use?

[Yuan-Ti]

I'm trying to set up an enclosure for a BP I want to get. It will be my first BP and I've gotten a few things and did a lot of research but I do have a couple of questions.

First the main question: the enclosure. It's a 10-gallon glass old fish tank that someone gave me when they learned I wanted a snake. I've cleaned it extensively with a combination of vinegar and Dawn dish soap, after which I rinsed it like 4 times to make sure there's no residue and then rinsed it again for measure. It literally smells like nothing. However, I can't remember where I heard it but at one point someone said that even no matter how clean it is I should never use a tank that had fish in it. So that's my question, should I get another tank or is this well enough now that it's as clean as I can make it?

Other details include that I've got a digital thermometer, hygrometer, under-tank heating pad, water dish, an over-sized hide (I'm planning on getting two much smaller ones to better fit the tank and size of the BP, after reading another tips thread). The only things I think I need now is a good thermometer and a set of feed tongs.

Which leads me to my second question: am I missing anything else important? Something I just overlooked even after reading other threads? I have a few weeks before I'm able to get the BP so no rush. Likely to be a baby or juvenile less than a year old.

Thank you in advance and I do apologize if this thread should have gone elsewhere. I signed up a while ago but forgot about this site and just came back so not too familiar with everything yet. Seemed okay but you never know lol.

[Sunnieskys]

You need a thermostat to regulate your UTH to 90 degrees. You need some sort of top and a lamp as well.

A thermostat is different than a thermometer. A thermostat is not optional. You must have one.

also nothing sticky in your cage. No tape, Velcro or anything else that is sticky.

[Bogertophis]

...
First the main question: the enclosure. It's a 10-gallon glass old fish tank that someone gave me when they learned I wanted a snake. I've cleaned it extensively with a combination of vinegar and Dawn dish soap, after which I rinsed it like 4 times to make sure there's no residue and then rinsed it again for measure. It literally smells like nothing. However, I can't remember where I heard it but at one point someone said that even no matter how clean it is I should never use a tank that had fish in it. So that's my question, should I get another tank or is this well enough now that it's as clean as I can make it? ....

I've never heard that specifically about not re-using a fish tank, but ANY used tank should be thoroughly disinfected before using. I'd use some bleach for that first,
let it sit & soak a while, making sure the bleach hits every inch, inside & out. Rinse well, no bleach smell can remain. I'd also use a second disinfectant (either F10
or chlorhexidine) properly diluted- to wipe it out again. (& either one is good for routine cleaning thereafter) Dish soap is great for removing dirt, but does nothing
to disinfect. Vinegar is a mild disinfectant, not enough for a used cage. It's also great for routinely cleaning water bowls (removes hard water deposits).

[Craiga 01453]

As mentioned above, you need a thermoSTAT. ALL heating equipment should be regulated by a thermostat.

Sounds like there may be a bit of confusion between t-stat and thermometer (could just be a typo?)
But either way, those dial style analog thermometers and hygrometers are unfortunately junk, so make sure it's a decent quality digital (I use Accurite brand thermometer and hygrometers. $10 at Wal-Mart)

Also, unless your room where the enclosure will be kept stays in the mid 80s you'll need an additional heat source, heat lamp + bulb or CHE (ceramic heat emitter) or a RHP (radiant heat panel). And remember, ALL heat sources should be regulated by a thermostat (I repeat this to stress the importance).

You'll also need a lid and an escape proof locking system. Snakes are escape artists and can be much stronger than you think as well as fit through places much tinier than you may think.

I've used MANY used fish tanks to house snakes. Never had a problem. I use bleach to clean though, then let the enclosure air out for a few days. There should be zero bleach smell at all before an animal is put into the enclosure.

Another VERY important thing to have before bringing any animal home is a stash of money set aside that is there for an emergency vet visit. Accidents can and will happen, illnesses happen, etc...and it's our responsibility as keepers to have vet money stashed away.


Good luck. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. And read, read, read and read some more. Learn from reliable sources and cross reference multiple sources before believing anything to be fact. The more we know about our pets the better we can care for them.

[Yuan-Ti]

Yeah the thermostat/thermometer thing was a typo. Ended up saying thermometer twice lol. I still need to get the thermostat, I have the thermometer. Any recommendations that's not a $150 Herpstat? (seems to be the only recommendation I get for that)
Anyway, I plan to have the enclosure in my room which is normally warmer than the rest of the house because of my computer and TV. Usually 75-85F. I have the UTH but I'll probably invest in another heat source once I do more research for those. I normally wear headphones so noise is no louder than my voice (I don't normally yell either) and a desk fan.
Still working on a good lid and lock system. My original idea was to use a ratchet strap around the tank to keep the lid in place. Not the most elegant solution but it seems like it would work so long as I don't over tighten it and stress the glass. The lid was going to be plexiglas with air-holes drilled in but that was before considering a heat lamp. I might look at this wire reptile lid I just saw the other day if it fits and is sturdy. Idk. If I can't come up with a decent system the plan B is using those Sterilite enclosure setups I've seen. Not pretty to look at but it'll work better. I might end up doing that tbh... Either that or just put more money into buying a legit enclosure instead of trying to cob together this thing that I was given lol. Also good advice on the spare money for vet bills. I've just started a savings account recently so I will hopefully be able to drop in enough money to that so it becomes a good cushion.
One thing is for sure, I'm going to have to rearrange how my rooms power strips are set up with how many things I'm going to need power for lol. It's still very much winter where I am and I don't want to get the snake too soon while it's cold so I have a bit of time to get things set up properly and make sure it works.

[bcr229]

VE HobbyStat from Reptile Basics is only $50. You can pick up some hides while you're ordering.

A ball python baby will outgrow a 10 gallon tank pretty quickly so you need to be planning the next enclosure. I'd strongly suggest getting a proper reptile enclosure or a tub over another fish tank, as both will hold humidity much better.

[Cheesenugget]

I used a fish tank at the start with my bp. The main differences are the thickness of the glass and the lid need locks. I hated those clip on locks. In the end, it did not matter what I want, because my bp did not eat for weeks until I moved him to a 6qt tub. It may not be appealing at first (I really did not like tubs prior to the switch) but it is a whole lot easier to maintain humidity and can help a baby bp settle in easier. Fyi, snakes can escape from tubs too so you will need to be diligent about keeping the lids secure by using the store purchased locks (for glass tanks) or binder clips (for tubs).

If you choose to go with glass tanks, my suggestion is to use a Critter Cage or a terrarium that comes with a sliding door and they are lockable so you will get that peace of mind.

Pick up some fake plant decor pieces from your local dollar store or hobby stores. Something bushy to clutter up your tank. Also, blacking out the sides and back of tank helps.

If you want to save money, I would switch to tubs from the start and wait until after it is full grown to pick up an enclosure or go back to glass tanks.

Lastly, read all the stickies on what to do with your new snake including how to properly thaw out the prey.

[Yuan-Ti]

Awesome advice. I'll probably opt for a tub over this old tank then. I just bought a new work bench so maybe I can DIY a proper reptile enclosure while the tub is in use. Probably end up getting a pre-fab, who am I kidding lol.
Now that I have a solid lead on getting properly set up maybe I can finally feel like I sorta know what I'm doing...ish. I'll probably be posting updates on my progress in the coming weeks. Maybe not in this thread but somewhere around here. Thanks guys!