Question from a new guy

[TexasGuy]

I'm considering getting a Ball Python as a pet. I've had a Red Tail Boa, but it's been many years ago. But I have some idea what I'm getting into. I also have a friend with several larger snakes who's given me some advice.

I guess my first question is about the enclosure. From my reading it seems that something the size of a 25-30 gallon aquarium is perfect for an adult BP. My friend has some large enclosures like the ones at reptilebasics.com. I just don't need anything that elaborate that looks like furniture. So I was thinking about either a semi-transparent tub (like a Rubbermaid or the ones at reptiletubs.com) or a glass aquarium.

So I guess my first question is what are the pros and cons of either? Neither seems very expensive or difficult to find. Is either better as an enclosure?

[llovelace]

[TexasGuy]

Thanks, just trying to educate myself a little.

[llovelace]

Tubs get a + for: cleaning, easy temp & humidity maint., space
Tubs get a - for display purposes

Tanks get a + for: display purposes
Tanks get a -for: space, maybe cleaning if ypu have a lot of them, maint.,temp & humidity(depending on where you live of course)

I have tanks and am in the process of building an 11 tub rack system.

[Inknsteel]

Like stated above, tanks are more clear than tubs, so for display purposes, tanks are better...

That being said, tubs are SOOOOOOO much easier. The plastic tubs hold heat and humidity 1000x better than any glass aquarium. Also, tub maintenance is a breeze. They're lightweight and easy to move, which makes cleaning a lot easier. Also, because the tub is smaller, your ball python will feel more secure and will likely have a stronger feeding response.

[llovelace]

If you are just having the one a tank would be ok, but I must warn ya many cannot stop at only 1

[TexasGuy]

I think a tub is how I was leaning and this kind of seals it for me.

Are there reptile-specific tubs, or are the Iris tubs at Office Depot ok?

[thatkindofgirl]

I'll definitely agree with the other responses.... I used to not like the tub idea because of the display issues, but after having a rack system with tubs, I have moved most of what I have in that direction.... it is very easy care and maintainence to say the least ;-)

[nova2door]

i have some in tubes and some in tanks but i am getting to to build a couple of racks to put all the snakes in. you can't have just 1 snake. lol

[azpythons]

If you are just having the one a tank would be ok, but I must warn ya many cannot stop at only 1

once ya pop you cant stop

betcha cant try just one

so many chip references