New tank :)

[reptimama]

I have an empty 55 gallon fish tank that I would like to use as a reptile enclosure and I'm looking for ideas. Here are some details:

Tank is a regular 55 gallon fish tank deminsions 48in long, 18in high, 13in deep
Looking for a display animal that doesn't necessarily require handeling, active during the day, prefer snakes or communal lizards
Planning on screen top with locks though not purchased yet
Heat, light and humidity requirements not an issue I can do heat lights, UV lights, and I have a reptifogger that I can use for humidity if needed
Don't want to have to upgrade
Low to medium maintenance requirements
Start up costs can be higher as I'm planning on this taking some time as I gather all the supplies and decide what I actually want in the tank.

Reptile experience: Ball Python, California King Snake, Bearded Dragon
Would prefer not to repeat reptiles so wanting something different

I've been looking and I've read a lot of Bearded Dragon which I already have and also some tree boas but I think the tank would be too short for them or any arboreal snake really. I was thinking carpet python but read that there is not enough floor space for them.

[infernalis]

Display snakes.. Perfect, active by day, climb, swim, and communal.

http://www.thamnophis.net/Gartersnakes/images/fire1.jpg

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

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

[Corey209]

Blue Tongue Skink's are diurnal and have simple husbandry.

http://top-10-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/blue-tongued-skink.jpg

[reptimama]

Those display snakes are cute! Is that thier actual name? When I try to search them all I get are results like "_____snake makes a good display snake" "what type of snake makes a good display snake?" etc... If they swim I'm assumeing they need a large water bowl correct? I like the albino ones, I've been wanting an albino snake for a while too.

[DeesBalls]

Those snakes that Infernalis posted were garter snakes... If i had the room for a nice size tank, i would LOVE a community of them myself!

[Gravelanche]

they kinda look like garter morphs, i kinda want the red one myself now

[infernalis]

Thamnophis. ;) AKA Garter snakes.

I keep a few, they are active, busy, will watch you vacuum, are great feeders, and don't mind living 2-3 per cage.

Garter Snakes (http://www.thamnophis.net/Gartersnakes/index.html)

[reptimama]

I've had a garter snake before :) but it was a LONG time ago. I didn't even know they came in such pretty colors. The one I had was like out of the yard black and yellow if I remember correctly, I think I was in elementary school. That is a good idea though.

[reptimama]

My husband is trying to talk my into a Chinese Water Dragon now.

[Zosime]

My husband is trying to talk my into a Chinese Water Dragon now.
Water dragons get big and they are aboreal i wouldnt recommend it for a 55 gallon tank,

[reptimama]

After talking to my reptile guy I think I'm going with a Green Tree Python, always wanted one of those anyway and it will be a great wow factor.

[KORBIN5895]

A 55 gallon really isn't a good tank for a gtp.

[reptimama]

Really? I was thinking that and then I did some more reserch and what I found was they like more horizontal space as that is how they move through the trees. What would you suggest?

[Lankyrob]

What size is a 55g?

[reptimama]

48in long, 18in high, 13in deep

[KORBIN5895]

Even if it was set on end your snake only would only have 13" width. Also it will be extremely hard to mouth the people perches securely.

[reptimama]

Think I may get the GTP and put in another enclosure and get a lizard for the 55 gallon.

[Lankyrob]

I would want a min of 24in height personally.

[StudentoReptile]

Be careful to heat the 55 gal well for a BTS. A lot of heat is wasted on such a tall tank for such a fossorial lizard. Be sure to use a temp gun (a requirement for any herp really) to make sure you are getting the proper temps at the BOTTOM of the tank, not just the ambient air temps.

[Corey209]

Be careful to heat the 55 gal well for a BTS. A lot of heat is wasted on such a tall tank for such a fossorial lizard. Be sure to use a temp gun (a requirement for any herp really) to make sure you are getting the proper temps at the BOTTOM of the tank, not just the ambient air temps.

70-80 throughout the tank and 100 for the basking isnt it?

[reptimama]

70-80 throughout the tank and 100 for the basking isnt it?

That is what I've seen in my research. That is similar to a Beardie with a slightly lower basking spot.

[Corey209]

That is what I've seen in my research. That is similar to a Beardie with a slightly lower basking spot.

Adult beardies have a lower basking spot then 100 don't they? If I remember correctly it's around 95. Not positive though.

[KORBIN5895]

I think people are actually pushing for higher basking temps like 130°f for beardies.

[reptimama]

Everything I've seen for beardies is 110 for the basking temp. Which is what I keep mine at. I'll have to check on the 130 temp I had not heard of that.

[KORBIN5895]

Everything I've seen for beardies is 110 for the basking temp. Which is what I keep mine at. I'll have to check on the 130 temp I had not heard of that.

I may be wrong. Pm beards4life and ask him.

[rmfsnakes32]

I keep my beards at 110 and they do well. That was what many articles suggested for temps.

[reptimama]

Now I'm thinking Rainbow Boa for the 55. I found one on CL for around $200.

[KORBIN5895]

Now I'm thinking Rainbow Boa for the 55. I found one on CL for around $200.

I think that may be a little high. Check with Cliff Earl ( snakesitter) here. He deals in top notch rainbows and can give you some guidance.

[StudentoReptile]

Don't let Craigslist determine what you put in your tank. Let the needs of the specific species do that.

[Gravelanche]

must be nice, my BRB cost me $250 and it was the best deal around! friggin border laws

[reptimama]

Eh, now the guy is kinda jerking me around with the price as he "has someone else interested" so now the price is up to at least $250 with a 4-6 hour drive involved. May not be the best deal here.

[Gravelanche]

i dont know how much shipping would be, but i know as a reference when BHB reptiles has them in they are only $100 from them

[reptimama]

That is a lot better! I have a reptile store in town which I'm a regular in and they could probably order me one if I wanted them too. The main reason I was checking this out is because it is in N. Ga and I do travel there regularly so it would be an easy pick up. The add was from a few weeks ago and I really didn't think the snake would even be available still. I just told the guy that $250 is the top of my range especially with the drive so I'd pass this time and I hoped he would find a good home for his snake. I'm going to look at/pick up a 90 gallon tank today so the search continues! I always have more enclosures than I have animals :)

[Gravelanche]

That is a lot better! I have a reptile store in town which I'm a regular in and they could probably order me one if I wanted them too. The main reason I was checking this out is because it is in N. Ga and I do travel there regularly so it would be an easy pick up. The add was from a few weeks ago and I really didn't think the snake would even be available still. I just told the guy that $250 is the top of my range especially with the drive so I'd pass this time and I hoped he would find a good home for his snake. I'm going to look at/pick up a 90 gallon tank today so the search continues! I always have more enclosures than I have animals :)

i know that feeling, i have 3 extra tanks at the moment lol

[reptimama]

Yep! I'm about to have 2 and just filled a bird cage yesterday. I would have 3 but one 55 gallon is in ROUGH shape so I think I'm just gonna trash it. The hardest thing is finding stuff to put IN the tank. There are so many different opinions and ideas about what is good and what is bad for every animal. It can really get overwhelming and confusing sometimes LOL I WISH I had the time, space, and $ to do all custome builds for all my critters :)

[Gravelanche]

Yep! I'm about to have 2 and just filled a bird cage yesterday. I would have 3 but one 55 gallon is in ROUGH shape so I think I'm just gonna trash it. The hardest thing is finding stuff to put IN the tank. There are so many different opinions and ideas about what is good and what is bad for every animal. It can really get overwhelming and confusing sometimes LOL I WISH I had the time, space, and $ to do all custome builds for all my critters :)

im already saving up some cash for some PVC enclosures for my snakes, if my taxes come in at a decent number im going to be investing in a 3 or 4 stack of 4 foot PVC enclosures for ball python sized snakes, fortunately i dont have much desire for much other than the snakes but there are a few little lizards i have on my list too.

[reptimama]

This is the e-mail I just sent the seller. I checked out BHB reptiles thanks for telling me about them!

I have a few questions about him if you don't mind : How is he feeding? When was the last time he ate? Does he eat live or F/T? How often and what size does he eat? He looks sub adult correct? Is the pic you sent with his last shed? When was that taken? Have you ever had any issues with him? I don't require nor do I particularly want the whole set up. I have multiple heat lamps and enclosures etc... I'm really only looking for the animal. Your original CL ad listed him for $200 was this with the entire set up or just the snake? I could come pick him up as Columbus is closer for me than N. Ga by about 2 hours. Given that I am willing to come get him and do not need the set up and that the other person backed out would you consider $150 for just the snake? If this would work I could pick him up earlier as well, say mid month. If not I have found other breeders where I can get a BRB for $140 shipped.

[reptimama]

I upgraded my Fl. King to the 55 gallon and he is LOVING it! Haven't seen him on the surface for about 30 min now.