Empty 130 gal tank - snake suggestions please

[Jules1618]

New to the snake world and have an empty 130 gal tank. I would like to get a snake that suits the space but also is suitable for beginners.

Thanks for any and all suggestions

[lady_bug87]

What are the dimensions?

[Corey209]

Make a separator that you can progressively move from 20g to 40g to 60g to 80g to 100g to 130g.

[Jules1618]

-Dimensions: approx 72"L x 18 "W x 24"H

[Jules1618]

New to the snake world and have an empty 130 gal tank. I would like to get a snake that suits the space but also is suitable for beginners.

Thanks for any and all suggestions


Capacity: 500 L (130 U.S. gal) Aquarium Dimensions (W x D x H): 150 x 58 x 65 cm (60 x 22.8 x 25.5 in)

[Jules1618]

New to the snake world and have an empty 130 gal tank. I would like to get a snake that suits the space but also is suitable for beginners.

Thanks for any and all suggestions


Capacity: 500 L (130 U.S. gal) Aquarium Dimensions (W x D x H): 150 x 58 x 65 cm (60 x 22.8 x 25.5 in)

[guidofatherof5]

That all depends on what you want out of the responsibility. 130 gal is a big tank but that doesn't mean you need to fill it with one snake.
What Species are you interested in?
I'm a garter snake fan. Curious and interactive is the Thamnophis genus. They require more then one feeding a week. Some(babies) need 3-4 feedings a week. They are docile and for the most part never bite. Once they are comfortable with you and their surroundings it is a lot of fun interacting with them.

[Calihusker]

In reference to the above reply..

I'm going to just come out and say there is no "beginner snake" existent that would live in a tank that size.

But, you could get a lizard of some sort, but once again, not a "beginner" one.

You could also go along with what the other has said and only use part of the tank. Just add in a separator.

Cheers. ^_^

[EmbraceCalamity]

In reference to the above reply..

I'm going to just come out and say there is no "beginner snake" existent that would live in a tank that size.Why wouldn't an adult corn work in a 130 gallon?

~Maggot

[Calihusker]

Why wouldn't an adult corn work in a 130 gallon?

~Maggot

I personally am not a fan of placing snakes in enclosures that exceed their size by a large amount. They are hard to upkeep, the snake has possibilities of insecurity, and other difficult-to-work-with elements. Not to mention, OP said that it was an aquarium, meaning it would need modifying to be suitable for a snake. Instead of spending a ton of work on an over-sized enclosure for a small, beginner snake, it would be most reasonable to spend $5 on a bin or $25 on a small terrarium that you need no modification for, and are suitable for housing "beginner snakes".

So, briefly, technically it "could work", I just don't think it's a reasonable decision for OP, who is new to the reptile hobby.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I personally am not a fan of placing snakes in enclosures that exceed their size by a large amount. They are hard to upkeep, the snake has possibilities of insecurity, and other difficult-to-work-with elements.That sounds dodgy. An adult corn can hit 60"+, so it would be the full length of the cage. That doesn't sound like it would "exceed their size by a large amount."Not to mention, OP said that it was an aquarium, meaning it would need modifying to be suitable for a snake.Why? Corns don't really have very special humidity or temp needs, so why wouldn't an aquarium work for one? I get why they're not ideal for most reptiles, but I'm not sure why it wouldn't work for a corn.

~Maggot

[Corey209]

I personally am not a fan of placing snakes in enclosures that exceed their size by a large amount. They are hard to upkeep, the snake has possibilities of insecurity, and other difficult-to-work-with elements. Not to mention, OP said that it was an aquarium, meaning it would need modifying to be suitable for a snake. Instead of spending a ton of work on an over-sized enclosure for a small, beginner snake, it would be most reasonable to spend $5 on a bin or $25 on a small terrarium that you need no modification for, and are suitable for housing "beginner snakes".

So, briefly, technically it "could work", I just don't think it's a reasonable decision for OP, who is new to the reptile hobby.



Making a plexiglass or acrylic top isn't a lot of work and it's not hard to make a separator to make the cage smaller. A 130g would work fine if you set up the cage properly with a good temp gradient and sufficient hides.

[Calihusker]

You still have to modify the aquarium so that the snake cannot escape. It can be more work than it sounds like.

We could argue this forever, but I'm just going to go ahead and say it's more of an opinion on a better introduction to the snake world.

[Calihusker]

I realize I made a direct statement that the 130 gal. wouldn't be a good decision towards OP, better wording could have been "I personally wouldn't".

[Corey209]

You still have to modify the aquarium so that the snake cannot escape. It can be more work than it sounds like.

We could argue this forever, but I'm just going to go ahead and say it's more of an opinion on a better introduction to the snake world.

What's wrong with putting work into something? He/she could easily get a top made for it and make it a very nice showcase in the house.. Especially if they put a colubrid like a corn snake inside because there's really not much management.

[Calihusker]

What's wrong with putting work into something? He/she could easily get a top made for it and make it a very nice showcase in the house.. Especially if they put a colubrid like a corn snake inside because there's really not much management.

I'm perfectly aware of that. Like I said, it's my opinion. I apologized for my first statement that was made as more of a "do this" than "I would do this in my experience".

And also, you are pressing me with all of this, but in the long run, there's still the possibility that OP doesn't like corn snakes, and isn't TOO intent on having a "showcase animal". You never know.

(I put emphasis on the "TOO" as you would most likely argue that owning a 130 gallon tank would only lead to the obvious conclusion that he prefers showcase animals.)

[EmbraceCalamity]

You still have to modify the aquarium so that the snake cannot escape. It can be more work than it sounds like.Like putting a large book on each end so that the snake can't push the lid up? =/

~Maggot

[KORBIN5895]

Personally I would go garter.

[EmbraceCalamity]

Personally I would go garter.After seeing stuff Wayne and a few others have posted and reading up on them, I'm starting to develop a fondness for garters too. They seem like really cool snakes.

~Maggot

[Calihusker]

Like putting a large book on each end so that the snake can't push the lid up? =/

~Maggot

You would most likely need to do some custom work to build your own "lid" for the aquarium, at that point you would need to either add holes etc. or use some sort of custom made screen topping. You would most likely have to make your own lid. It's not too hard, it's not too easy.

We can let this go now, yes?

[EmbraceCalamity]

You would most likely need to do some custom work to build your own "lid" for the aquarium, at that point you would need to either add holes etc. or use some sort of custom made screen topping. You would most likely have to make your own lid. It's not too hard, it's not too easy.

We can let this go now, yes?That depends on whether or not she has a top for it. We'll see.

~Maggot

[Corey209]

After seeing stuff Wayne and a few others have posted and reading up on them, I'm starting to develop a fondness for garters too. They seem like really cool snakes.

~Maggot

Personally I would go garter.

I'm thinking of getting a garter for my zoo med, ribbons are only $20 instead of paying $225 for a coxi.

@OP, I'd see if you could trade this 130g for a smaller cage that is made for reptiles.

[Calihusker]

@OP, I'd see if you could trade this 130g for a smaller cage that is made for reptiles.

Weren't you just arguing over how simple it is to "apply work" to an aquarium to make it suitable for reptiles with me??

[Corey209]

Weren't you just arguing over how simple it is to "apply work" to an aquarium to make it suitable for reptiles with me??

Yes, but 130g tanks take up a lot of room and if she ever wanted another snake having two 40-60g tanks would be more reasonable. Unless she just makes a separator.

[Calihusker]

Yes, but 130g tanks take up a lot of room and if she ever wanted another snake having two 40-60g tanks would be more reasonable. Unless she just makes a separator.

Why did you put me on the spot only to further expose the mistake I made when you agreed with my opinion on the over-sized tank? It's not fun being wolf packed on even when you admit you made a mistake.

[Corey209]

Why did you put me on the spot only to further expose the mistake I made when you agreed with my opinion on the over-sized tank? It's not fun being wolf packed on even when you admit you made a mistake.

I just stated it was easy to make a top, but I apologize if I felt like I was trying to expose something. The tank isn't necessarily over sized if you utilize it right but I'm sure she could trade it for a nice reptile terrarium instead.

[EmbraceCalamity]

Why did you put me on the spot only to further expose the mistake I made when you agreed with my opinion on the over-sized tank? It's not fun being wolf packed on even when you admit you made a mistake.Dude, you weren't "wolf packed." Two people disagreed with you and discussed the disagreement, and it was over until you brought it up again. Don't be so overdramatic. Just chill.

I still think it'd be really cool to have a snake in the 130 gallon. So much could be done with that space if utilized properly.

~Maggot

[Corey209]

Dude, you weren't "wolf packed." Two people disagreed with you and discussed the disagreement, and it was over until you brought it up again. Don't be so overdramatic. Just chill.

I still think it'd be really cool to have a snake in the 130 gallon. So much could be done with that space if utilized properly.

~Maggot

I'd set the whole thing up with bioactive substrate and even though it's sort of frowned upon I'd probably house two corns in there. It'd be cool to watch them live in a more "natural" environment.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I'd set the whole thing up with bioactive substrate and even though it's sort of frowned upon I'd probably house two corns in there. It'd be cool to watch them live in a more "natural" environment.I wouldn't dare put two in there. It sounds big because it's a 130 gallon, but that's because it's over 2 feet tall. It's still only 60" x 23", and corns get like 4' - 6'. It would provide space to make a cool natural setup though for whatever is put in there.

EDIT: I'm not sure about two garters though, as I think they're usually smaller and are better in groups than corns. But I don't know enough about them to really say anything on that.

~Maggot

[Corey209]

I wouldn't dare put two in there. It sounds big because it's a 130 gallon, but that's because it's over 2 feet tall. It's still only 60" x 23", and corns get like 4' - 6'. It would provide space to make a cool natural setup though for whatever is put in there.

~Maggot

Didn't think about that.. well, I'd still love to put a snake that burrows inside with bioactive substrate. Not sure if live plants would work so well.

[Calihusker]

Dude, you weren't "wolf packed." Two people disagreed with you and discussed the disagreement, and it was over until you brought it up again. Don't be so overdramatic. Just chill.

I still think it'd be really cool to have a snake in the 130 gallon. So much could be done with that space if utilized properly.

~Maggot

I found it necessary to point out (what I thought of) a hypocritical statement.

I'm not being over-dramatic, it just seemed even though I tried to make it clear I admittedly made a mistake and was done arguing about it, you both continued to point out what I did wrong. Corey, I thank you for apologizing, but Calam, I don't believe you can justify yourself by telling me that I have to "just chill". I wanted to "just chill", so I decided to take the mature route and admit that I was wrong; yet you still decided I would make a good target for continued admonishment.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I found it necessary to point out (what I thought of) a hypocritical statement.

I'm not being over-dramatic, it just seemed even though I tried to make it clear I admittedly made a mistake and was done arguing about it, you both continued to point out what I did wrong. Corey, I thank you for apologizing, but Calam, I don't believe you can justify yourself by telling me that I have to "just chill". I wanted to "just chill", so I decided to take the mature route and admit that I was wrong; yet you still decided I would make a good target for continued admonishment.Dude, you weren't "wolf packed." There was a disagreement. It was discussed. Fin. Just chill.Didn't think about that.. well, I'd still love to put a snake that burrows inside with bioactive substrate. Not sure if live plants would work so well.With all that height, there could be lots of whatever substrate OP wanted to choose. I'm sure live plants would work fine. I mean, I can't imagine why they wouldn't work, but I guess maybe there could be a reason. Would provide a nice natural look and some cover though. Could do branches with vines and such.

~Maggot

[EmbraceCalamity]

@Maggot, I've heard live plants don't do well with snakes because they tend to destroy them.Really? I know I've heard that for larger lizards and snakes (and tortoises), but I didn't know it applied to all of them. Very well might though. That would be a shame. :(

~Maggot

[Corey209]

Really? I know I've heard that for larger lizards and snakes (and tortoises), but I didn't know it applied to all of them. Very well might though. That would be a shame. :(

~Maggot

Well whenever I looked up live plants everyone just discouraged it no matter what snake it was but I don't know how well the snake would be able to burrow with plant roots unless it's potted.

[infernalis]

I personally am not a fan of placing snakes in enclosures that exceed their size by a large amount. They are hard to upkeep, the snake has possibilities of insecurity, and other difficult-to-work-with elements. Not to mention, OP said that it was an aquarium, meaning it would need modifying to be suitable for a snake. Instead of spending a ton of work on an over-sized enclosure for a small, beginner snake, it would be most reasonable to spend $5 on a bin or $25 on a small terrarium that you need no modification for, and are suitable for housing "beginner snakes".

So, briefly, technically it "could work", I just don't think it's a reasonable decision for OP, who is new to the reptile hobby.

Don't take this wrong.

That tank would work awesome for a small group of garter snakes, a corn snake, king snake or a Racer would also do very well in there, and none of them are difficult to care for.

Upkeep would not be a challenge at all, bigger cages take longer to get dirty.

When set up correctly, there is no such thing as a cage too big, I just can't wrap my head around that one.

One of the extreme pleasures I have had in isolating my 40 acres is observing the patterns of the wildlife, my meadow is 14 acres alone, and the snakes out there are doing wonderfully and don't appear stressed.

If I had a tank this big, I would put a bunch of dirt in the bottom, plant grass, put in a pond, multiple hides, a climbing branch and enjoy watching even a small colubrid use every inch of the inside.

[Corey209]

If I had a tank this big, I would put a bunch of dirt in the bottom, plant grass, put in a pond, multiple hides, a climbing branch and enjoy watching even a small colubrid use every inch of the inside.

A pond would be awesome.. and by any chance do you know if western hognoses are active colubrids? Like if they'd make a good showcase snake or act like a ball python.. (furniture)

[infernalis]

A pond would be awesome.. and by any chance do you know if western hognoses are active colubrids? Like if they'd make a good showcase snake or act like a ball python.. (furniture)


I have never kept a hognose before, I have heard that they are shy.

[infernalis]

I'm not sure about two garters though, as I think they're usually smaller and are better in groups than corns. But I don't know enough about them to really say anything on that.

~Maggot

A couple or trio of colourful Garter Snakes placed in there would be a hoot to watch.

http://www.thamnophis.net/Gartersnakes/images/trio.jpg

[Lankyrob]

This is a duplicate thread!!

[infernalis]

in case things look strange here, I merged the three identical threads into one, Standard practice here is we do not allow duplicate threads.

[Jules1618]

I don't have a top now but could build one or buy one.
I was looking at a half dawf burm I know it's an intermedant snake but I have had reptiles for years. Just new to snakes

I have a Iran jaya carpet python now.
And like snakes that are active, the ball python seems boring

[guidofatherof5]

In reference to the above reply..

I'm going to just come out and say there is no "beginner snake" existent that would live in a tank that size.

Cheers. ^_^

I beg to differ with you. A tank that size properly setup would be garter snake heaven for the snake that lives in it. Room to explore and keep busy. Multiple hides and water dishes, sounds pretty good to me.

[infernalis]

I beg to differ with you. A tank that size properly setup would be garter snake heaven for the snake that lives in it. Room to explore and keep busy. Multiple hides and water dishes, sounds pretty good to me.

Sounds like a garter haven to me too....

That's some sound advice there folks..

[Jules1618]

Garter snakes sound interesting
I will look into them

[infernalis]

thamnophis.com
thamnophis.net
thamnophis.us

all you ever need.

[Aaron_S]

I think it's cooler having a planted enclosure, properly set-up and then maybe adding a small snake to it. The small ones would be ideal since it won't destroy anything. It's why dart frogs tanks look and do so well.

[Akuma223]

I think having a group of garter snakes in a well planted and decorated tank that size would be real cool. A rat snake of some sort could do well in there too.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I think it's cooler having a planted enclosure, properly set-up and then maybe adding a small snake to it. The small ones would be ideal since it won't destroy anything. It's why dart frogs tanks look and do so well.I would kill to have a really cool, well-planted frog viv (though I'd have trouble choosing between tree and dart frogs). They're the coolest setups in captivity, imo.

~Maggot

[jarich]

Well whenever I looked up live plants everyone just discouraged it no matter what snake it was but I don't know how well the snake would be able to burrow with plant roots unless it's potted.

Lots of people discourage it, but that doesn't mean it's true. ;)

I have three different sized snakes with live plants and the plants are all doing very well (to the point that I have to trim them back). One of them is a very active 4.5 foot ball python, one a 5 foot GTP, and the other a Cali King. You just have to pick the right plants, and place them correctly. Now admittedly it doesn't work for big time diggers like monitors, or 20 foot snakes that weigh 200 pounds, but the majority of snakes are fine with live plants. Especially with a tank as large as a 130 gallon.

If you want any advice with planting enclosures just let me know Corey. I'd be happy to help.

[EmbraceCalamity]

Lots of people discourage it, but that doesn't mean it's true. ;)

I have three different sized snakes with live plants and the plants are all doing very well (to the point that I have to trim them back). One of them is a very active 4.5 foot ball python, one a 5 foot GTP, and the other a Cali King. You just have to pick the right plants, and place them correctly. Now admittedly it doesn't work for big time diggers like monitors, or 20 foot snakes that weigh 200 pounds, but the majority of snakes are fine with live plants. Especially with a tank as large as a 130 gallon.

If you want any advice with planting enclosures just let me know Corey. I'd be happy to help.What kind of substrate do you use for your king? Do you have pics of your setup?

~Maggot

[jarich]

I'm not there today, but can get pictures tomorrow or Monday.

I use a mix of top soil and Eco earth, plus a small amount of sand. He likes to burrow a lot so the Eco earth and sand keep the top soil from compacting too much and getting hard.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I'm not there today, but can get pictures tomorrow or Monday.

I use a mix of top soil and Eco earth, plus a small amount of sand. He likes to burrow a lot so the Eco earth and sand keep the top soil from compacting too much and getting hard.Yeah, I would like to switch to something more natural looking than aspen, and I'd like to put in some live plants, but she burrows around so much it looks like an ant hill, so I didn't want to put something in that she couldn't burrow through. If you could PM me the pics or post them on my thread for her whenever you get them, it'd be appreciated.

~Maggot

[jarich]

Will do as soon as I get back

[Sophia'sSophia]

Well whenever I looked up live plants everyone just discouraged it no matter what snake it was but I don't know how well the snake would be able to burrow with plant roots unless it's potted.

I know I'm late to the party, but I would like to point out that there are indeed herps who can live amicably with plants. Little lizards, yes, but also ribbon snakes. Ribbons are too light and small to harm them. (Not sure about garters, never had experience with them.)

[guidofatherof5]

I know I'm late to the party, but I would like to point out that there are indeed herps who can live amicably with plants. Little lizards, yes, but also ribbon snakes. Ribbons are too light and small to harm them. (Not sure about garters, never had experience with them.)

Certainly not trying to start an argument but Ribbons and Garters are both genus Thamnophis:D

[Sophia'sSophia]

Certainly not trying to start an argument but Ribbons and Garters are both genus Thamnophis:D


Oh certainly, there's no fight in that! (Isn't that snake in your avatar a ribbon? No dark markings of a garter on it's lips that I can see) I just won't state anything I don't know with certainty... I personally would have no problem putting garters on plants, but since they're slightly wider than ribbons, and I have no experience, I make no claim.

I'm a bio-major, science has pounded an ideal into me: If you're going to state it as fact, you must know it to be true beyond reasonable doubt. (and iiiiii haaave alot of doubt :) )

[infernalis]

Somewhere in the history of the world, some event or another caused the ribbon snakes to evolve into what we now see, perhaps a large habitat flooded and only the garter snakes that could swim and climb due to lack of ground below them could thrive, then a few million years later the waters receded and a new subspecies was free to move out and spread their seed.

It's too bad no studies have been done to find out what event it was that caused this.

The California species have profoundly lounger tails than the east coast species, and much different colourings, being the geologically unstable place that the west coast is, it is feasible that drastic changes in environment could have isolated a group of snakes similar to the events on Galapagos have changed the tortoise groups.