Rapidly growing BP in a 20L

[sneakerpro]

I didn't realize I was starting another tank vs. tub debate!

I've had my BP in this 20L since I got him in Feb. and haven't really had any issues with temp and humidity since the first month or so. I did have to cover the screen with some foil to help hold humidity, but now I've pretty much got it down to a science. I can change the humidity at will with minor tweaks to help facilitate shedding etc. However, in my current situation new snakes aren't really an option, and I prefer to have my one and only snake on display rather than in a tub.

I kept a rescue in a tub for a month or two, and realize the ease of using a tub. Even with this experience I still feel like a glass tank is the best option for me, even though BPs always hide and suck as a display snake.

Also Keep in mind you may need to also upgrade what you're using as a heat element. Its going to be a big difference in a 50G maintaining your temps depending on what you're currently using.

That is exactly what I meant when I was saying this will be a slow transition so that I can acquire the proper equipment. I will be investing in a quality t-stat and mostly likely some flexwatt. I also need to build/buy bigger hides, and some "decoration" to provide a secure environment in such a large tank.

Thanks for all the input guys.

[Somed00d]

tank vs tub.. here we go again.. use whatever you want as long as you provide 2 hides, a temperature gradient, water dish, proper humidity and escape proof..

[sg1trogdor]

That's because no one in their right mind, who knows how to keep Ball Pythons, will use "a 55 gallon tank. They are heavy, awful to clean, very difficult to keep correctly heated and humidified."


"I would put the snake in a rubbermaid container, clean the 55gal tank up really good, take it to my nearest pet store and trade it for a 20gal long. Set the 20gal up with all the accessories you already have and you should be good to go. Most people think the bigger the tank the better, this is not true. You want your BP to have tons of room to crawl around, the BP doesn't want that. He wants to feel cramped and secure, the less open space the better. Remember in the wild they spend 90% of their time crammed in a hole in the ground they can barely fit in. Hit some websites and look at the husbandry recommended for BP's."


"Toss the tank and buy an inexpensive Sterilite or Iris tub. Much easier.. Why put your snake and yourself through agony?"

Can get more if you would like. removed names don't know if I should post them but can if you wish.

[missi182]

That's because no one in their right mind, who knows how to keep Ball Pythons, will use "a 55 gallon tank. They are heavy, awful to clean, very difficult to keep correctly heated and humidified."


"I would put the snake in a rubbermaid container, clean the 55gal tank up really good, take it to my nearest pet store and trade it for a 20gal long. Set the 20gal up with all the accessories you already have and you should be good to go. Most people think the bigger the tank the better, this is not true. You want your BP to have tons of room to crawl around, the BP doesn't want that. He wants to feel cramped and secure, the less open space the better. Remember in the wild they spend 90% of their time crammed in a hole in the ground they can barely fit in. Hit some websites and look at the husbandry recommended for BP's."


"Toss the tank and buy an inexpensive Sterilite or Iris tub. Much easier.. Why put your snake and yourself through agony?"

Can get more if you would like. removed names don't know if I should post them but can if you wish.

I honestly don't care how many quotes you can find that bash tanks. I can find 5 times more that support the use of tanks and how to set them up properly, gee I'm pretty sure there are some STICKIES that support them.

Tanks are NOT hard to clean, and EASY to maintain if you do the tiniest bit of research.

The OP has ALREADY said he has tried a tub and wants his snake in a tank. END OF STORY.

The OP has also asked what he needs to do with this tank which is what a "owner in their RIGHT mind" would do.

I have a 42 gallon tank and it is cramped. Am I "an owner not in my right mind?" Stop insulting a huge majority of members on this site that use tanks, more specifically, large tanks for LARGE bps.

I have already mentioned to the OP that the tank is a bit large, but it is usable. He asked for help on how to use it, not for someone to say "get a tub." If he said "what tub should I get?" I wouldn't jump in and say "ditch the tub, get a tank."

[WingedWolfPsion]

If you have only a single snake, and you have the time for it, then there's no reason you can't maintain a large display tank--it's certainly a lot more aesthetically pleasing. You do have to be careful when you clean it--you can't skimp on periodically sterilizing the tank. It's true that is more difficult to do with a tank, and you have to be careful that you don't fail to do it as often as it should be done because it's more difficult.

There are plenty of ways to be sure the temperatures and humidity are correct, and there are a lot of options for decorating and making the tank an interesting and secure habitat for the snake. You also have to know your snake. There ARE ball pythons that do not like large enclosures--they will refuse to eat if their cage is too large.
There are also a few that will not eat if their cage is too SMALL. They are all individuals. Many will do fine in a very large tank as long as they have hiding places.
I actually have a couple of hatchlings in quarantine...in 41 quart bins, because they were available. They're doing just fine in there, so I didn't need to put them into shoeboxes.

If your snake doesn't eat within a couple of weeks of being put into a new enclosure, it may not be happy with the size or arrangement.

[sneakerpro]

I realize that tubs work so much better for somebody that has a large number of snakes, but that isn't me. It's not like I'm looking for ways to save time and money which is one of the number one draws to using tubs. Also, with a little effort I have figured out a number of ways to keep appropriate heat and humidity in my current tank, so why wouldn't I be able to apply the same techniques on a larger scale? This issue has been drug out on so many threads when it really is a matter of opinion and varies with individual situations. There is no right or wrong as long as the snakes are stress free and healthy.

So if a BP spends 90% of it's time in a hide, does it really matter if the hide is in a small tank, large tank, or tub? I mean, all that the BP will EVER focus on is the hide so maybe we should spend some time "discussing" which type of hide is appropriate?... just a thought.

[missi182]

I realize that tubs work so much better for somebody that has a large number of snakes, but that isn't me. It's not like I'm looking for ways to save time and money which is one of the number one draws to using tubs. Also, with a little effort I have figured out a number of ways to keep appropriate heat and humidity in my current tank, so why wouldn't I be able to apply the same techniques on a larger scale? This issue has been drug out on so many threads when it really is a matter of opinion and varies with individual situations. There is no right or wrong as long as the snakes are stress free and healthy.

So if a BP spends 90% of it's time in a hide, does it really matter if the hide is in a small tank, large tank, or tub? I mean, all that the BP will EVER focus on is the hide so maybe we should spend some time "discussing" which type of hide is appropriate?... just a thought.

I agree. You are most correct in saying that there is no right or wrong answer. Tubs AND tanks work. Generalizing that this entire site frowns upon tanks and that large tanks are only used by people not in their right mind is a gross misunderstanding of the various physchographics here.

[Spaniard]

The only right answer is do what works for you. If your snake eats, sheds, pees, and poops on a regular basis then there ya go. If not something we, as keepers, are doing is wrong and must be corrected. Whether it be a tank or a tub is irrelavant, the same problems can occur in both environments. Everything is dependant upon the time and effort that the keeper is willing to put into the care of their pet.

[sg1trogdor]

I realize that tubs work so much better for somebody that has a large number of snakes, but that isn't me. It's not like I'm looking for ways to save time and money which is one of the number one draws to using tubs. Also, with a little effort I have figured out a number of ways to keep appropriate heat and humidity in my current tank, so why wouldn't I be able to apply the same techniques on a larger scale? This issue has been drug out on so many threads when it really is a matter of opinion and varies with individual situations. There is no right or wrong as long as the snakes are stress free and healthy.

So if a BP spends 90% of it's time in a hide, does it really matter if the hide is in a small tank, large tank, or tub? I mean, all that the BP will EVER focus on is the hide so maybe we should spend some time "discussing" which type of hide is appropriate?... just a thought.

I would go all out and use a 65 gal tanks They make some awesome display tanks. I will post some pics of my setup from when I had it. I don't know where missi keeps getting the notion that I hate tanks even though I mentioned in my original post that I have used large tanks and only got rid of it because I needed a bit more room. As for tubs being cheaper thats only half true. Depending on where you are you could get a 55 gal tanks for 50 bucks (thats what i paid from a local aquarium mfg)

[sg1trogdor]

HEres the 65 or the 55 I can't remember I had both but one got a crack and replaced with the other. lol.

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And here is my home made 4 tanks enclosure which I still use today. Its 6ft tall, 4 ft wide and 2ft deep.