View Full Version : Convert Aquarium to Terrarium?
I have a 50 gallon aquarium that has been sitting around gathering dust, and I was wondering, is there any way to convert it into a safe enclosure for a snake? Mainly for a king or milk snake. I could make it (if inexpensive) or is there any products I can use? I haven't heard of any. I doubt there is a way but I payed a lot of money for it (when I had a couple red eared sliders. I've gotten rid of them because I couldn't afford a larger enclosure at the time) I was surprised to not find any previous threads on this but I may not have gone far back enough. Anything would help. Thank you.
Eggplant
05-02-15, 05:51 PM
I think an aquarium can be used for a variety of animals as long as you make sure the animals living in there have the right temperature/ humidity etc that they need to be healthy :)
The aquarium you have- is it a glass tank? What kind of top does it come with?
reptiledude987
05-02-15, 05:58 PM
Many screen lids are available that will fit ont most standard aquarium sizes. The biggest challenge in the conversion is maintaining humidity but it can certainly be done. Ive used several "fish tanks" in the past as terrariums with no issues.
I think an aquarium can be used for a variety of animals as long as you make sure the animals living in there have the right temperature/ humidity etc that they need to be healthy :)
The aquarium you have- is it a glass tank? What kind of top does it come with?
I'm not concerned with keeping good levels, I'm sure that can be done. I'm more concerned with escape artists.
It came with a couple flimsy hoods with lights In it. Very eAs I'll escaped out of. And it is glass.
Many screen lids are available that will fit ont most standard aquarium sizes. The biggest challenge in the conversion is maintaining humidity but it can certainly be done. Ive used several "fish tanks" in the past as terrariums with no issues.
I'm mostly concerned with escaping snakes.
Eggplant
05-02-15, 07:06 PM
I'm not concerned with keeping good levels, I'm sure that can be done. I'm more concerned with escape artists.
It came with a couple flimsy hoods with lights In it. Very eAs I'll escaped out of. And it is glass.
Oooh.. I have a hognose and she's too thick to really squeeze through small gaps so I forgot about that.
This seems cheap and reliable!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTN4TDYGMZo
^I think he just got a fitting screen top and got those clip things. They look really secure.
Other stuff you might want to look at:
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/64060-how-make-lid-aquarium.html
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=constructing%20secure%20tank%20hoods%20snake
Oooh.. I have a hognose and she's too thick to really squeeze through small gaps so I forgot about that.
This seems cheap and reliable!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTN4TDYGMZo
^I think he just got a fitting screen top and got those clip things. They look really secure.
Other stuff you might want to look at:
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/64060-how-make-lid-aquarium.html
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=constructing%20secure%20tank%20hoods%20snake
I'll check out the YouTube one later. I have to grab some WiFi. I will do more research. Thanks:)
Minkness
05-02-15, 08:01 PM
I can't speak for a 50 gal aquarium, but I just duct taped the entire backside if the lid to my tanks, then use super strong velcro on the front and sides. I had my MBK in there and she never got out and regularly shoved herself in a top corner. Not the most conventional of ways, but hey, it's work for me so far! (Note, the largest tank I have done this to is a 10 gal)
As mentioned, they make screens for pretty much any standard aquarium. The clips that keep the screen on cost about $4 for a pair, so Id get 6 for that size enclosure.
I can't speak for a 50 gal aquarium, but I just duct taped the entire backside if the lid to my tanks, then use super strong velcro on the front and sides. I had my MBK in there and she never got out and regularly shoved herself in a top corner. Not the most conventional of ways, but hey, it's work for me so far! (Note, the largest tank I have done this to is a 10 gal)
Hmm, size of the tank may effect the result, especially since it uses two panels as far as I know. Regardless, it would be a sore sight especially if in a main room for viewing.
Thanks though. :)
As mentioned, they make screens for pretty much any standard aquarium. The clips that keep the screen on cost about $4 for a pair, so Id get 6 for that size enclosure.
Sounds manageable. Thanks:)
Oooh.. I have a hognose and she's too thick to really squeeze through small gaps so I forgot about that.
This seems cheap and reliable!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTN4TDYGMZo
^I think he just got a fitting screen top and got those clip things. They look really secure.
Other stuff you might want to look at:
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/64060-how-make-lid-aquarium.html
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=constructing%20secure%20tank%20hoods%20snake
This second link looks possible, I might do this but use a wood top instead of the screen stuff With a door of some sort. Then the bolts can stay in place and secure without being moved very often. Something like the way you lock a regular window perhaps. Idk, just brainstorming. What do yall think?
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