[Question] I know it's been asked before but..

[LespaceSerpent]

I have no idea how to build a cage.

I admit I am keeping my new Royal in a tank right now because I was mislead by both the store and multiple snake setup sites. But reading on here more I worry and I want him to be as happy and healthy as he can.

So I guess this is just kind of general "What am I getting myself into" thread.

How do I make him a suitable home?
How often will I need to upgrade it?
Any help you guys can give I would appreciate I want to spoil him.

I will be watching this thread so I will try to respond quickly.

[Minkness]

Tanks are actually fine, just require some alterations. Like using something to cover most of the screen. I like duct tape personally.

For a BP it's alot more forgiving than a more advanced species woth more particular care.

Also, if you aren't a builder, look into premade or made to order enclosures. They can be a bit pricey, but are really great for the reptile and the person! I personally love the front opening doors.

Oh, and for sizes, I had my baby in a 10 gallon, then a 20 long, and now she is in something equal to a 40 breeder and that will be her last upgrade.
=)

[LespaceSerpent]

Okay I was really worried because I saw so many people saying they were bad ;-; I do like front opening doors I just don't have the money right now

At the moment he is in a 10 gallon cause he's still a little one, with the coconut bedding, a little hide for him, his water dish that's as big as he is, and a sterile branch with some fake vines on it from climbing/cover.
I have a uv lamp that covers part of the screen and then I keep a damp rag on the section in between that and the red lamp so that it helps the humidity. Is that alright?

For me to save up for do you have any good companies you'd recommend?

[Minkness]

I haven't personally ordered any of my own. Got 2 off craigslist for a steal a while back though. So check there of you are on a budget.

He doesn't need a uv light though. Just a UTH on a tstat.

[LespaceSerpent]

I do have one of those as well, I forgot to mention. I can take the light off though, I just worried that the ambient temp wouldn't be warm enough with just the uth

[eminart]

Okay I was really worried because I saw so many people saying they were bad


That's the beauty of the internet. Somewhere on a snake forum 15 years ago, someone says that fish tanks aren't ideal for snakes without modification. Years pass with every new "expert" repeating what they think they know, until it morphs into "Snakes shouldn't be kept in glass terrariums."

The truth is, there's nothing wrong with them as long as you've covered the appropriate amount of screening to get whatever level of humidity you might need. They can be a little less convenient than other enclosures due to the lid and clips. But, they're a perfectly acceptable way of keeping snakes, as long as you meet the temp and humidity requirements for your particular snake species. And, that isn't difficult for anyone using common sense.

[Minkness]

If you need help with the ambient temps the light might be ok. I personally prefer a CHE as I worry about the light bothering my BPs since they are mostly nocturnal. Others may argue thatit doesn't make a difference to the snake, and that may be true, I just prefer less light.

Em said it right too how it evolved into "Omg fish tank baaaad!" Lol.

Don't stress it so much.

[Andy_G]

Fish tanks DO suck in my opinion(but if you want to use them they can be altered as mentioned). Here's why;

1. Can't stack them

2. Can be expensive for what they are

3. Harder to maintain heat and humidity

4. Heavy

Nobody can refute these points...it's so much easier to use something that needs less altering, is easier to move and is stackable...but if none of that bothers you and you are able to restrict airflow to maintain proper husbandry which really isn't too hard to do, there's no reason not to use one. I think that's why people say they're bad...because there are better choices out there...definitely wouldn't be my first choice, though...but you've already got one, so make the best of it. We can help. :)

[Minkness]

1. You CAN stack them, just carefully and with some creativity.

2. Very affordable for what they are if you get them off second hand sites like craigslist or if you catch te $1 a gallon sale at petco.

3. Can't argue this, buuut, its easy to alter with tape.

4. Yes...they can get VERY heavy and can be fragile if dropped or bumped.

Anything can make a 'fair' enclosure with a bit of alterations. Even tubs, while light weight and easy to clean, require holes to be drilled for air. And the nicer reptile specific enclosures are very expensive if you have more than 3 animals. That cost really adds up! Even racks add up on price and the drawbacks on those is that you can't see though the tubs.

Everything has a pro and con, it's what's important to you that matters, and that you are able to maintain the temps and humidity according to the species.

=)

[Andy_G]

1. You CAN stack them, just carefully and with some creativity.

2. Very affordable for what they are if you get them off second hand sites like craigslist or if you catch te $1 a gallon sale at petco.

3. Can't argue this, buuut, its easy to alter with tape.

4. Yes...they can get VERY heavy and can be fragile if dropped or bumped.

Anything can make a 'fair' enclosure with a bit of alterations. Even tubs, while light weight and easy to clean, require holes to be drilled for air. And the nicer reptile specific enclosures are very expensive if you have more than 3 animals. That cost really adds up! Even racks add up on price and the drawbacks on those is that you can't see though the tubs.

Everything has a pro and con, it's what's important to you that matters, and that you are able to maintain the temps and humidity according to the species.

=)

Aside from a shelving unit...I don't think I would recommend stacking as I don't know a safe way to do it...and using a shelf isn't really stacking at all IMO...could you explain how it would be possible and safe while maintaining access to individual tanks just for the people who want to use them? I never will use fish tanks/aquariums... but you bring up good points for those who want to, though. :)

[Minkness]

If you are handy, cutting some board to cover the lid and cut it in half with a hinge, then place the tanks together and put another one on top so it only rests on half of each tank under it, giving you accessto each tank. It's definitely not conventional, but it does make them stackable as well as helps hold humidity in, and if you use velcro to keep it closed, you're good! This is best for smaller tanks though, like 10s and 20 longs.

If you do this, you can have a nice, stacked, display set up for 15-30 bucks. =)

[Andy_G]

Very unconventional...but certainly an option if one wanted or needed to use tanks. Would there be a way to make that work for more than 3 tanks at once(2 base, one on top...you are describing a type of pyramid like stack?) successfully and safely?

[Minkness]

You could do pyramids or, if the bottom tanks stick out instead of go longways, you could put another tank ontop longways, making all of them reachable. Also, with the right tanks you can glue on sliders on the lid, put the tank on its side, and have a front opening tank. Or, whT I did for my cresties, have the screen lid hinged on with duct tape and the latch of felcro, and stand it up on its side as well. The only thing is, is that you would need to maoe sure the tank has 'feet' to give the screen lid room to swing open. =)

Here is just one wall of my reptile set up. Please ignore the mess lol.

The crestie tank I customized is the top one on the black shelves.

Keep in mind I have about 20 geckos and 12 snakes to house!

[LespaceSerpent]

Well I have my glass one and while I am doing my best I'm having trouble keeping the humidity up for my ball python. I had an idea of making a layer of plexiglass that I could screw to the bottom on the lid that would fit about snuggly in the top of the tabk. It would only cover about 65% of the cage because I need to have room for a heat lamp until I can get a better heat sourcell

Does this sound like a good idea what do y'all think?

[Minkness]

Darn those sideways pics!

I can get better ones tonight if you want lol.

[Andy_G]

Hey! You're using shelves you cheater :P. Looks good, though! I've always loved racks and custom caging...USUALLY less clutter and I have a touch of OCD when it comes to that so I am partial. I went the tank route until I had about 10 animals and then I asked why I was doing it to myself lol. Then I got racks and PVC and once the first breeding season came around I was glad that I made the switch.

LespaceSerpent that sounds like a good idea, just make sure that you won't crack the lid when attaching the plexi. Also, as I am sure you know, you will have ongoing humidity problems until you replace the light, so be sure to offer a humid hide in the meantime.

[LespaceSerpent]

LespaceSerpent that sounds like a good idea, just make sure that you won't crack the lid when attaching the plexi. Also, as I am sure you know, you will have ongoing humidity problems until you replace the light, so be sure to offer a humid hide in the meantime.

Yeah there should be enough space for a couple small screws just to hold it. And I don't mind spraying it so often etc for now I just need it to last longer cause I worry when I go to work.

And you guys said that the CHE is the thing to get? It looks almost like a bulb then could I put that in the lamp I have as long as the wattage is right?

[Minkness]

Andy, I am at that point now with what I want for caging, and will be working on building my own. I kind of hate constantly pulling them out and dealing with the screen lids lol. My only point is that it IS doable...to an extent!

LS, for a humid hide just get a cheap tupperware and cut a hole in it, then put some stuff inside that holds moisture. You shouldn't need to spray too often with this. And yes, a CHE looks like a light bulb, but won't give off light.

Also, I highly recomend duct tapeing the screen lid. It's great for holding in humidity. When you get the CHE, put it on the side instead of the top. =)

[LespaceSerpent]

Thank you both so much for the help. I really really appreciate it and I'm glad I can make the tanks I have work for him.

Would the CHE heat up the glass? I'm just a little confused sorry I've never heard of them before now to be honest.

[Minkness]

They do, but in doing that, it's easier on the humidity. And because snakes reall look for over head or belly heat, they won't rub against it. (In my experience anyway, and my CHE is always on the side)

[LespaceSerpent]

Alright so would I just like put the clamp on backwards so it's aimed from the side instead of the top then? I found one of amazing from decent price so I can go ahead and order that now c:

[Minkness]

I have mine clamped to a desk leg actually with a pencil through the clamp tongs for stability. I can take a pic later tonight. I'm at work right now. =)

[LespaceSerpent]

That would be awesome so am I xD thank you again

[LespaceSerpent]

About how much should I leave uncovered of the lid guys? For ventilation

[Minkness]

I usually just leave the corners open on one side or the other. Again, can take pics later XD