Tank Size.

[earthwormjim]

I currently have a 20 long for my BP. He has outgrown it I believe. He is 3'7". He seems fine and eats regularly and isnt freaking out trying to escape but everything I have read is saying he should be in a 40. My question is, is the tank he is in ok if he isn't stressed? I would hate to put him in a bigger tank and have him not like it. Also, is 40 the limit? I found a great deal on a 55 gal that comes with a screen top and a bunch of extra stuff for 30 bucks. If he will be ok in that I want to get it. I know some feel sterilite tubs are better but I have had him in a glass tank since I have owned him am have never had issues, so I will continue to keep him in a glass tank.

Here is a pic of his current tank.

[Eric Alan]

A 40 gallon (36x18x17) actually has more floor space than a 55 gallon (48x13x21). In addition, a 40 gallon is also shorter so heating lamp wattage doesn't need to be as high (if you use them). Those are the reasons they tend to get recommended more for terrestrial snakes like ball pythons. You certainly could go with a 55 gallon though - just be aware of the differences and how you're going to account for them.

As far as comfortable or not in a bigger enclosure, it's hard to tell before they're in that environment. It's pretty snake-specific. You can always go the "clutter it up and make sure you're husbandry is nailed down" route if you observe increased signs of stress once you move him.

[earthwormjim]

I figured that I could add more stuff to make it seem smaller. I did not know that a 40 had more floor space. Thanks for the input.

[SnakeBalls]

Good looking setup! Some aquarium wallpaper will help fill in the background, he might feel like he's got a little more privacy too

[earthwormjim]

Good looking setup! Some aquarium wallpaper will help fill in the background, he might feel like he's got a little more privacy too

Thank you. I have white paper on a piece of cardboard on it now but when I get his new tank I will be getting a background.

[AnnaK231]

In all honesty I wouldn't waste your $30 on the 55 gallon. Unless it comes with things you can use in a 40 gallon tank, then I would buy the things and resell the 55 gallon. Like Eric said, the 40 has more floor space and is shorter so it should be easier to heat.

I have a 55gal my husband had from previous pets and it's been a pain to keep humidity/temps just right in our new house during the winter. I think I've got it good (after a few days of tweaking) but if I don't we are buying or making something else. Probably with plastic or wood. I've looked at the animal plastic brand cages..made out of plastic but still have the "display" feel to them like a tank does; I hear they hold humidity and heat in better.

[earthwormjim]

In all honesty I wouldn't waste your $30 on the 55 gallon. Unless it comes with things you can use in a 40 gallon tank, then I would buy the things and resell the 55 gallon. Like Eric said, the 40 has more floor space and is shorter so it should be easier to heat.

I have a 55gal my husband had from previous pets and it's been a pain to keep humidity/temps just right in our new house during the winter. I think I've got it good (after a few days of tweaking) but if I don't we are buying or making something else. Probably with plastic or wood. I've looked at the animal plastic brand cages..made out of plastic but still have the "display" feel to them like a tank does; I hear they hold humidity and heat in better.

I hear you on the temps and humidity in winter, I live in northern Michigan and uts been a pain. Right now the temps and humidity are fine. I do not think I would have a problem with the temps. I use a big UTH and a heat lamp and at third power on dimmer switches they do great for a 20 gal. The humidity however, I have a room humidifier right next to the tank, I also have a thick piece of cardboard wrapped in tinfoil with a hole big enough for the light and ventilation in it. It works great, humididty is usually between 55-60 and I don't have to spray the tank at all.

How terrible would it be for him to remain in the 20 gal for a while until I can get him something really nice?
I would like to get him a reptile plastics cage but need time to save the money.
He eats fine and shows no signs of stress.

[AnnaK231]

That's great you've had no issues. I'm just letting you know my experience. We've even put insulation panels on 3 sides, that's how hard it was. Now, it took maybe a week to get everything right, it just felt a lot longer due to us both working. So it wasn't horrible.

There is so much to consider when going to any type of bigger tub/tank than what you use now.

As for the stressing him out, I have no idea. I'm going to guess it's okay for a while if he's acting and eating normally. Again, no real idea about that, just a guess.

[earthwormjim]

I looked online and a T3 is on sale right now for 175 from animal plastics. I am going to wait and buy him one of them. They look sweet and I wont have to spend a lot of time getting the husbandry just right like you were saying with the 55 gallon.

[AnnaK231]

That sounds like a decent deal! My thought was you'd buy the tank, then spend money trying to make it work. Why not just buy something that has a better track record? Especially since snakes live a long time, you invest now and you don't have to down the road.