Long vs Tall for Spotted Python?

[AndrewM1217]

So I'm looking for a 20gal enclosure for my spotted Python, and can't decide between a long or a tall. Right now he likes to climb and spends about an equal amount of time on the ground as he does in the branches so I'm leaning towards a taller enclosure for added climbing room. However, I'd like to hear from other spotted owners, or owners of any Antaresia species if they outgrow their climbing tendencies as they become heavier. Or just general input as to which cage would be preferable

[Killerflash]

I would go with the long over the tall and make it have 2 levels so the snake still has places to climb around and also giving it more room to roam at ground level in a direction other than just up. If it was something aboreal like a green tree Python I would have said the tall for a baby, but with a spotted/children's I recommend the long. In all honesty though I wouldn't get the 20 gallon if you can spare the room and little more money; would go with something more along the lines of a 30+ gallon enclosure.

[pinefamily]

While some will climb, antaresias are predominantly a ground-dwelling species. Our three hardly climb at all, except on top of their hides, or basking rocks.

[AndrewM1217]

I would go with the long over the tall and make it have 2 levels so the snake still has places to climb around and also giving it more room to roam at ground level in a direction other than just up. If it was something aboreal like a green tree Python I would have said the tall for a baby, but with a spotted/children's I recommend the long. In all honesty though I wouldn't get the 20 gallon if you can spare the room and little more money; would go with something more along the lines of a 30+ gallon enclosure.

You think a full grown spotted would need a 30gal? Mine is a male, just for added info. But I always thought 20gal long was an adequate size for snakes like corns, and spotteds stay a decent bit smaller than that

[Killerflash]

I always assume everyone's snakes will become a large female unless specified and I like to give plenty of room for my animals to explore. If its possible to get another 6 inches high on an enclosure for a snake that enjoys climbing for just a tad more $ it really adds a lot and makes it easier to do a two level set up as well. It's really just my preference :p that's why before stating my opinion I did say the 20 long would be the right choice.

[toddnbecka]

A 29 gallon tank has the same footrpint as a 20 long (30"x12") but is a bit taller. Also depends on how active they are, I'm not too familiar with Antaresia myself. My carpet pythons are typical ambush predators, mainly stay in one spot, though they do move around occasionally. The Japanese rat snakes, on the other hand, are very active, even after feeding. Although they're similar in size to my new baby carpet python they have much more room to roam, and are usually making use of it. The new baby carpet is content in a 10 gallon tank for the time being, while the Jap rats are in 38 and 40 gallon tall tanks. (Same footprint as a 30 long, but a bit taller.) Only reason I have the odd
size tanks is because they were cheap used deals. Next time PetCo has their $1/gallon sale you can pick up a new tank for the same price as a used one.
A 40 breeder has a 36"x18" footprint, and is a nice size tank for active critters. My everglades rat snake is housed in one now, and though she's still growing I imagine it should be large enough for her even at full adult size. Plenty of folks keep their snakes in plastic tubs, but personally I prefer to at least give them enough horizontal space to stretch out completely. Vertical space can be utilized with branches for climbing or simply different levels. Plastic crates or boxes, even rubber coated wire racks, can be used to provide exercise opportunities as well as heat gradients.

[pinefamily]

Carpets tend to get a fair bit bigger than antaresias, and mostly climb more as well (bredli's being the possible exception). Spotted pythons can vary from just over a metre to 1.5 in length.