New Setup..

[anatess]

Here I go again... putting my neck out there on the chopping block...

BUT... we got these snakes and they have to live in our house. Therefore, it is a symbiotic relationship. If ONLY the snake's needs are to be met, we should leave them in Africa. But, since we like to keep them as pets, then the reptile gets to benefit from our care as well as we get to benefit from our experiences with them. Just as we have to adjust to the reptile, the reptile, would also need to adjust to our house. It is a delicate balance that needs to be achieved.

Having said that, I do not get much out of a snake that spends 90% of its time hiding under a rock. Therefore, for me, putting that snake in a 55 gallon or bigger decked out as a replica of an African forest gives me plenty to look at with or without the snake visible. I can look at it all day long and even have a few of my hardier orchid collections growing in this mini-forest that has the temperature and humidity settings perfectly suited for orchid growth. Yes, it takes a lot more effort to maintain, but that's effort I will gladly take on to enjoy my little piece of Africa. And of course, every single thing the snake needs is provided = the right temperature, the right humidity, right sized hides and plenty of canopy foliage.

So, yeah, 55 gallon or bigger - it can work. Just put in the extra effort it requires to maintain it. If it is what you desire. There's nothing wrong with anybody saying, I WANT THIS. As long as the health of the snake is also being considered and a balance achieved.

As a side note, our ball python was doing great for 3 months in a 55 gallon and then she went on a fast, so I moved her to a 20L. She started eating again. When she gets a few more regular feedings, I'll move her back to the 55 gallon. Or maybe not, depending on how she feels. Like I said, it's a delicate balance.