I have a new tank! Now, what to put in it...

[Reptimama2]

I have an empty 55 gallon fish tank that I would like to use as a reptile enclosure and I'm looking for ideas. Here are some details:

Tank is a regular 55 gallon fish tank deminsions 48in long, 18in high, 13in deep
Looking for a display animal that doesn't necessarily require handeling, active during the day, prefer snakes or communal lizards
Planning on screen top with locks though not purchased yet
Heat, light and humidity requirements not an issue I can do heat lights, UV lights, and I have a reptifogger that I can use for humidity if needed
Don't want to have to upgrade
Low to medium maintenance requirements
Start up costs can be higher as I'm planning on this taking some time as I gather all the supplies and decide what I actually want in the tank.

Reptile experience: Ball Python, California King Snake, Bearded Dragon
Would prefer not to repeat reptiles so wanting something different

I've been looking and I've read a lot of Bearded Dragon which I already have and also some tree boas but I think the tank would be too short for them or any arboreal snake really. I was thinking carpet python but read that there is not enough floor space for them.

[DeathByDabs]

Brazilian rainbow boa!

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[Reptimama2]

I was thinking of that! Aren't they nocturnal though? I was looking at them and they are SO pretty.

[33rpm]

Curve ball. A species salt water tank! Moray eels, Lionfish, etc. Live rock can be pricey, the rest is manageable for mentioned species!

[TheSnakeGuy]

Lots of trees and an Amazon Tree Boa. Or put a jungle of live plants in it along with some green anoles, bahaman anoles, and long tail lizards(yes they can live together)

[Reptimama2]

Would the tank be tall enough for a tree boa? I was thinking they needed more vertical and less horizontal space.

[TheSnakeGuy]

They don't particularly need a lot of height, just to be off the ground with a variety of branches and a well kept ambient air temp.

[Reptimama2]

Ah, that might be cool then.

[Reptimama2]

My husband is trying to talk me into a Chinese Water Dragon.

[Valentine Pirate]

My husband is trying to talk me into a Chinese Water Dragon.

I think you'd need to upgrade to a bigger enclosure though.

I've been waiting to find a Russian rat snake for our 50-60 ish gallon tank. Was suggested to me when I was looking for an day active snake. Everything I've read has said they're out and about normally, on top of having great dispositions. There are also blue beauty snakes, or maybe a red tailed green rat snake.

Live planted vivariums are always interesting, and if done right are nearly zero maintenance. Maybe lurk around the dart frog forums and see if you could pull off a communal tank if that's something you're interested in.