Should i cover my bps tank? [Archive] - sSNAKESs : Reptile Forum

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 01:29 AM

I have my 1 month old bp in a 10 gallon aquarium tank with a ventilated lock lid. I have a fan that i used to sleep with but i stopped sleeping with it whenever i got her because it can get pretty cold.Unfortunately i cannot do this anymore it is summer time in texas and i am way to hot to sleep without my fan on. I cant move her enclosure either. My room is the least amount of traffic and warmest during the day.
My question is, would it be ok to cover like 2/3 of her enclosure with a towel? This may be a sill question but Tinkerbell is my first snake and I just want to do everything right :)

StudentoReptile

07-10-12, 04:04 AM

Honestly, it is what I do with any glass tank set-ups I have had. Some use saran wrap also.

Lankyrob

07-10-12, 04:17 AM

If the room is cooler then the thermostat on the heater should keep the tank warm anyways, my worry would be what your humidity is with an "open topped" tank ??

alessia55

07-10-12, 05:35 AM

Wildside

07-10-12, 07:59 AM

...Or you could put a humid hide in there

DeesBalls

07-10-12, 08:05 AM

you could also get a piece of plexi glass cut to fit on the lip of the top of the tank, and drill holes in the plexi to ventilate, then put screen lid on top and lock :)

if you have a heat light that goes on top of the cage, just get the plexi cut to the light WONT sit ontop of the plexi...

if you have an UTH, set it up on a thermostat, and cut the plexi to fit...

does this makes scenes?

Aaron_S

07-10-12, 08:15 AM

This is a lot of work just to make a fish cage habitable for a snake. I just prefer tubs.

lady_bug87

07-10-12, 08:19 AM

You shouldn't have a mesh top lid to begin with. Ball pythons need constant high humidity, which is hard to get if the mesh top is letting all the air out. So yes: use seran wrap and towels to cover a good portion of it. You might want to look into getting a better enclosure (wood, etc) that will maintain humidity better. And you'll be able to sleep with the fan on! You could also put her in a more isolated room where it is warmer.

See I get really defensive when I read posts like this. When I started keeping I didn't know there was an alternative to screentops and as a result I have many some have been given to me (for free) and some I bought myself. Though I agree that they aren't necessarily the "best" choice I dont think they're the demons of the enclosure world.

My Ball python, RTB, bullsnake, lizards, and GTP are ALL in screentops I won't lie I have had issues but nothing major and very far spaced between.

I use towels and saran sometimes, and Humid hides. I just personally don't appreciate when someone's opinion (as common as the opinion is) being treated like the absolute law of keeping.

To the OP use what you have to work with. If you're worried about warmth as long as the UTH is working and on a thermostat the snake will be warm. Saran covering 2/3 of the lid will help the humidity problem (provided there is one which I saw no evidence of in the initial post)

DeesBalls

07-10-12, 08:22 AM

This is a lot of work just to make a fish cage habitable for a snake. I just prefer tubs.

i do too now... tanks are a pain, BUT if you only have 1 snake, its not all bad....

... who here only has 1 snake? lol.

Aaron_S

07-10-12, 08:43 AM

i do too now... tanks are a pain, BUT if you only have 1 snake, its not all bad....

... who here only has 1 snake? lol.

I know people don't start out knowing better but it's easy to learn and easy to remedy. There are still better options than a fish cage out there these days. You can buy or even make one.

DeesBalls

07-10-12, 08:50 AM

I know people don't start out knowing better but it's easy to learn and easy to remedy. There are still better options than a fish cage out there these days. You can buy or even make one.

very true.. i thought fish tanks were the ONLY things you could use lol. but after some people teaching me other ways, i never use them.

StudentoReptile

07-10-12, 08:56 AM

Tanks have been and always will be the most conventional enclosure for herps. Most newbies go to the pet store first for options, and guess what? Glass tanks are pretty much all pet stores have (with the exception of reptile specialty shops). If its warm-blooded (birds & small animals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, etc), it goes in a cage. Everything else can live in a fish tank. That's the mentality a lot of people have grown up with, and likewise, instill to the next generation. It'll will likely never change.

Indeed, fish tanks were designed for keeping fish, not reptiles. They have their design flaws, which most of us are aware of. They can work better for some species better than others.

One thing that I do like tanks for over tubs is for display. I have my European ratsnake set-up in my entertainment center in my living room. A tub would look tacky, and I wouldn't be able to see him well. Granted, a towel draped over the top of a glass tank looks a little tacky, too, but not as much as the tub (especially if the towel matches everything else...lol). With the proper know-how, tanks can be made to work, but it is important to remember that there are definitely better options out there as well.

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 01:48 PM

mykee

07-10-12, 01:59 PM

75 degrees will kill your snake. Fast.

lady_bug87

07-10-12, 02:01 PM

I live in south east texas so the humidity is never below 60% anyways and during the day it rises. I havent had a problem with humidity at all idk why everyone assumed i was lol. Thats the least of my worries. I used the towel last night and the temps stayed at 75 so thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions!

Ithis debate is one that ALWAYS comes up when someone asks a husbandry question and mentions screentops. Its just everyone voicing their opinions on the best enclosure type. Its really nothing specific to this situation.

alessia55

07-10-12, 02:02 PM

See I get really defensive when I read posts like this. When I started keeping I didn't know there was an alternative to screentops and as a result I have many some have been given to me (for free) and some I bought myself. Though I agree that they aren't necessarily the "best" choice I dont think they're the demons of the enclosure world.
No need to get defensive. Until recently, I kept both my ball pythons in screen top tanks. I didn't know any better then either. Now that I know what's better, why not pass that information on to someone new? Now that mine are in boaphile cages, I don't have a single husbandry issue (whereas I used to struggle with humidity). Don't take my comments personally. I'm just handing out good, valid information. ;)
My Ball python, RTB, bullsnake, lizards, and GTP are ALL in screentops I won't lie I have had issues but nothing major and very far spaced between. what are the sorts of issues you're struggling with? This is why I quickly and happily switched out of tanks and now barely (if ever) worry about husbandry. I just want others to be able to have the ease I have found in getting out of glass tank enclosures. :)

To the OP use what you have to work with. If you're worried about warmth as long as the UTH is working and on a thermostat the snake will be warm. Saran covering 2/3 of the lid will help the humidity problem (provided there is one which I saw no evidence of in the initial post)
Fine advice.

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 02:04 PM

She seems to like the cooler side better even kept at 75, she doesnt seem to be dying or unhealthy. I will up the temps to about 78-80 at night though if thats what would be better for her. The temps never did get below 75 though and this is the cooler side temp, the warmer side is at 85-90 at night.

lady_bug87

07-10-12, 02:13 PM

what are the sorts of issues you're struggling with? This is why I quickly and happily switched out of tanks and now barely (if ever) worry about husbandry. I just want others to be able to have the ease I have found in getting out of glass tank enclosures. :)

I'm not struggling my animals eat, shed, and poop just fine thank you. I have HAD my issues when I first started keeping snakes. The latest issue I had was a result of my moving houses while my arboreal snakes were in shed which caused a ton of stress for them and me and resulted in retained sheds on both animals which have been resolved.

You can give whichever information you find useful, I can provide an alternative. We have to be respectful but that doesn't necessarily mean I agree with you, nor you with me.

Besides If I had to change the enclosure type I used it would be tubs or acrylic and when tanks need to be replaced due to wear and tear I will replace them with one or the other.

alessia55

07-10-12, 02:21 PM

I'm not struggling my animals eat, shed, and poop just fine thank you. I have HAD my issues when I first started keeping snakes. The latest issue I had was a result of my moving houses while my arboreal snakes were in shed which caused a ton of stress for them and me and resulted in retained sheds on both animals which have been resolved.
Hey there, I wasn't being offensive when I asked that! Glad everything is ok!!

You can give whichever information you find useful, I can provide an alternative. We have to be respectful but that doesn't necessarily mean I agree with you, nor you with me.
Absolutely! I don't feel I was disrespectful; That wasn't my intention whatsoever (it never is). So if it came off that way to you, know that it was not what I meant. :)

StudentoReptile

07-10-12, 02:22 PM

I'm not struggling my animals eat, shed, and poop just fine thank you. I have HAD my issues when I first started keeping snakes.

Fantastic. I think Alessia was just referring to your earlier statement here:

My Ball python, RTB, bullsnake, lizards, and GTP are ALL in screentops I won't lie I have had issues but nothing major and very far spaced between.

I have to admit, without further clarification, you implied that said issues were related to using screentops. Just pointing that out. I'm sure that Alessia and myself were not the only ones who came to that conclusion.

MoreliAddict

07-10-12, 02:38 PM

Ithis debate is one that ALWAYS comes up when someone asks a husbandry question and mentions screentops. Its just everyone voicing their opinions on the best enclosure type. Its really nothing specific to this situation.
But enclosure type is very much is specific to the situation of husbandry. Doesn't matter how much it's been debated, if anyone new to the hobby asked me for help with husbandry, I'd point them to radiant heat panels and PVC enclosures.

crazycorns

07-10-12, 03:50 PM

i keep both of my corns in glass with screen tops but they dont require so much humidity lol. they r doing fine and thriveing well

Gungirl

07-10-12, 03:51 PM

Corns are fine in fish tanks.. Royals however need more. I also have my corn in a fish tank but all of my others are in custom cages.

crazycorns

07-10-12, 03:54 PM

oh i know i would never put a bp in a fish tank or any other snake that requires high humitiy. when i get my BRB im gonna keep it in a tub to start with than im gonna build it a proper encloser. i know if u need a lot of humidity u dont use a screen lid that will let it all escape

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 04:20 PM

crazycorns

07-10-12, 05:16 PM

u should b good then no worries.

DeesBalls

07-10-12, 05:29 PM

I live somewhere with very high humidity. Humidity is not an issue. Thank you for the concerns. And either way when shedding time comes i will put in a humid hide. An aquarium is perfectly fine for my bp. I've done the research. As long as humidity and temps are ok then i'm sure my bp will be too. Humidity does not get below 60%

yes- if the temps are where they need to be. and you can monitor the humidity (since you say they are fine) a fish tank is okay, like i said for 1 or so snakes... as long as they are eating, shedding, and pottying just fine, everything is good.

maximus30576

07-10-12, 05:56 PM

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 06:23 PM

yes, just my one snake. :)

MrBD1980

07-10-12, 07:51 PM

Hey,

Firstly I'd like to say that I have never read allessia's posts on any forum topic to be geared up to either offend or dismiss anyone else's views....having read the posts above I feel this remains true and would suggest that her posts are reread with fresh eyes and an open mind.

Having said that however I am going to throw down that I am using a glass tank for my BRB and with slight modification of the mesh top I now successfully achieve great humidity and good temps. I considered a plastic viv but just couldn't find one that would 'display' as well as the glass does, and it was the display element which I really wanted to gain from keeping my brb.

I understand that plastic vivs and tubs can be great for easy husbandry however I put a lot of effort into providing a 'natural' feel in the viv (which I love being able to see) in order to appreciate and enjoy a visual aspect of being a keeper.

To this end, I think with some cunning (and very cheap) alterations glass tanks can be great vivs for almost any species...it is simply a matter of letting people know that alterations may be required for humidity or temperature.

As has been demonstrated above I think there is a need for a disclaimer when making any statement which may contradict a stated opinion...

DISCLAIMER

'the statement above reflects only the authors opinion and is in no way designed to belittle, offend or demean anybody else views. If the message offends please read the words in reverse order to erase them from narrow minded memory!'

Cheers

Brian

Aaron_S

07-10-12, 07:55 PM

...An aquarium is perfectly fine for my bp....

I beg to differ. If you've got a 10 gallon aquarium and it's got a 15 degree temperature difference in it's 20 inches of length then I think that's a problem. Your cool side should not be 75...ever...

To me it says you have a lot of heat escaping from the enclosure and that you need to put extra heat into it just to maintain the right temps. Personally, I'd switch enclosures to something along the lines of what others have mentioned (tubs, acrylic, PVC like boaphiles) but since you believe in your fish cage I would change the top.

TinkerbellsMom

07-10-12, 11:25 PM

Ok I will rise the temps to about 78-82 at night, will that be high enough for the cooler side?. I put a towel over the lid so it's keeping in heat better. Thanks for letting me know guys. I am new to this so all of your help is appreciated!

crazycorns

07-11-12, 08:36 AM

im sorry if my post has offended anyone. everyone is different, i was just stating what i think would be best for quality of life for my scale babies that is all i wasnt speaking down to anyone. if i hurt anyone by what ive said my humble apologies and ask for ur forgiveness

mykee

07-11-12, 08:57 AM

80-82 cool side, 90-95 warm side.

Wildside

07-11-12, 09:16 AM

Hey,

Firstly I'd like to say that I have never read allessia's posts on any forum topic to be geared up to either offend or dismiss anyone else's views....having read the posts above I feel this remains true and would suggest that her posts are reread with fresh eyes and an open mind.

I think there is a need for a disclaimer when making any statement which may contradict a stated opinion...

DISCLAIMER

'the statement above reflects only the authors opinion and is in no way designed to belittle, offend or demean anybody else views. If the message offends please read the words in reverse order to erase them from narrow minded memory!'

Cheers

Brian

I think people need to stop being so sensitive. One of the great things about a forum is the ability to gather different opinions and techniques and be able to tailor your own solutions to your own problems. Otherwise Google has everything you need. Unless a derogatory comment is made directly at you then there is no reason to be offended. And if a derogatory comment is made at or about you then by God stand up and defend yourself! We all have our own perfectly good reasons for doing the things we do with our animals. If you flat out refuse to change them, then state them. It may help to guide someone else to happier herping. We all cared enough about our hobby to join this forum, so get what you can from your membership without letting your "feelings" get in the way. At the end of the day, it's just the internet. It doesn't really matter what anyone's opinions of you are, now does it?

StudentoReptile

07-11-12, 09:24 AM

I think people need to stop being so sensitive. One of the great things about a forum is the ability to gather different opinions and techniques and be able to tailor your own solutions to your own problems. Otherwise Google has everything you need. Unless a derogatory comment is made directly at you then there is no reason to be offended. And if a derogatory comment is made at or about you then by God stand up and defend yourself! We all have our own perfectly good reasons for doing the things we do with our animals. If you flat out refuse to change them, then state them. It may help to guide someone else to happier herping. We all cared enough about our hobby to join this forum, so get what you can from your membership without letting your "feelings" get in the way. At the end of the day, it's just the internet. It doesn't really matter what anyone's opinions of you are, now does it?

Well, someone finally said it. Ditto!