If you use PVC sheets you'll be able to dado cut or router out grooves to lock the sides and bottom together. Then screwing them in place would make it good and strong.
I'm sure you've already considered this, but the water will add a lot of weight. And when the snake is in the water that'll be even more weight. And the weight of all that water will put a lot of pressure on those seams. So make sure those sides and corners are super tight and strong. You definitely dont want to come home to a mess and a snake on the loose if it gives out.