Tank size

TGC · 11-30-11, 12:53 AM

Hi i would like to ask, will my tank:
24" X 18" X 18"
Be large enough for my male ball python, when he is an adult?
Currently he is 24" long and it seems just fine for him..

Additionally, I would like to know, what size hide will be required for an adult male ball python?

Please keep in mind for the hides, i have this terrarium in my bedroom and i would like it to look attractive. Therefore, i am not open to the idea of using plastic containers as hides. If there is an exo-terra product (like one of those caves they sell) that would be suitable for an adult male python, please just let me know.. and possibly show me a link to where i can buy one.
I would like to get all the extra stuff ready for when i will inevitably need it, when my snake grows bigger.

-thanks.

**millertime89** · 11-30-11, 02:23 AM

depends on how long he gets, but that won't be anywhere close to big enough.
well... close, but not big enough. 24x24 at minimum, but a 24x30 or 36x18 would probably be best
edit: I wouldn't get an exo terra, they're not exactly the greatest for snakes, they look great, but not the best. What do you have in mind for budget? I'm assuming you want something that you can display him in right?

alessia55 · 11-30-11, 06:53 AM

My adult male ball python lives in a 36x18x18 at the moment, and he won't need anything bigger than that. Depending on your budget, you can get a really nice cage for him.

Lankyrob · 11-30-11, 08:37 AM

I have my BP in a 48x24x18 vivarium which should do him for life. I personally would get either a plastic or wooden vivarium as they are better/easier to maintain humidity than exo terras that i believe (please correct me if wrong) have a screen top?

mattchibi · 11-30-11, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TGC

Hi i would like to ask, will my tank:
24" X 18" X 18"
Be large enough for my male ball python, when he is an adult?
Currently he is 24" long and it seems just fine for him..

Additionally, I would like to know, what size hide will be required for an adult male ball python?

Please keep in mind for the hides, i have this terrarium in my bedroom and i would like it to look attractive. Therefore, i am not open to the idea of using plastic containers as hides. If there is an exo-terra product (like one of those caves they sell) that would be suitable for an adult male python, please just let me know.. and possibly show me a link to where i can buy one.
I would like to get all the extra stuff ready for when i will inevitably need it, when my snake grows bigger.

-thanks.

It seems like you have already purchased that tank. For now, that tank should work fine, but eventually you will want to upgrade. As for hides, the only two requirements are: 1) you need to buy two identical hides, 2) they need to fit snugly around your snake so he feels secure. Dont buy half logs even though they look nice, most petco's and petsmart's have decent hides available. Just make sure it only has one opening. Let us know if you have more questions

alessia55 · 11-30-11, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattchibi

It seems like you have already purchased that tank. For now, that tank should work fine, but eventually you will want to upgrade. As for hides, the only two requirements are: 1) you need to buy two identical hides, 2) they need to fit snugly around your snake so he feels secure. Dont buy half logs even though they look nice, most petco's and petsmart's have decent hides available. Just make sure it only has one opening. Let us know if you have more questions

Both my ball pythons have half logs as hides and they don't have a problem with it. I just put one of the half log's entrances against the wall of the enclosure. Both of mine are calm and confident, so I don't see a problem with half logs. But I can understand that a hide that only has one entrance might make some more nervous snakes feel more secure.

mattchibi · 11-30-11, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

Both my ball pythons have half logs as hides and they don't have a problem with it. I just put one of the half log's entrances against the wall of the enclosure. Both of mine are calm and confident, so I don't see a problem with half logs. But I can understand that a hide that only has one entrance might make some more nervous snakes feel more secure.

Youre right alessia. In the wild, ball pythons dont necessarily have "hides with only one entrance" so it could definitely do just fine with a half log as a hide. I'm just saying from what I've heard from a lot of breeders and experienced herpers is that half logs are not the BEST hides, although of course they will work. Since we are keeping our snakes in a captive environment, why not give them the best possible setups?

Not trying to disprove you at all but just bringing up some discussion

KORBIN5895 · 11-30-11, 12:11 PM

The 4' BP I had used the largest cave my local pet store sold. Now she would lift it up when she was in it but she preferred it to the larger plastic Guinea pig hides I switched her too.

Kiljosh · 11-30-11, 12:59 PM

I have heard about the identical hides thing too and recommend it if your bringing home a baby snake not used to the world yet. It makes the snake choose a hide to thermoregulate instead of choosing what it likes best.

However I never had identical hides with mine and he is super friendly. In his old tank his half log was his favorite, in his new one his tree is. The thing is both were on the cool side. My hot side temps are just fine he just likes being on the cold side more often.

Honestly people will say too big is just as bad as too small when it comes to tank size but I'd rather get a big tank and fill it with a lot of ground cover so the snake can get some exercise and stretch out if he'd like. You just have to make them feel secure.

Look on craigslist, a friend got a free 30gallon tank to put his baby in and it's fine for him. I just founf a nice 55gal with a stand and a bunch of extra lighting/heat mats for $100 and was able to haggle it for $80. If you start looking now and make a Looking For post you could possibly find his next home for free. People give away leaky fish tanks all the time. Just make a restrictive lid for it so heat/humidity don't get out and your all set.

TGC · 11-30-11, 01:01 PM

well, hopefully my tank can be OK for my snake for maybe 2 year. After that i will be able to build a wooden vivarium with my dad or buy a large sized tank.. Thanks for the points

Kiljosh · 11-30-11, 01:06 PM

I've read it's good to go by 1.5x your snakes length for the width of your cage. Once they've grown that much you should be searching for a new cage. They really are not that expensive, in 2 years he will definitely out grow it.

Mine has grown like a weed going from 18-20" in july when I got him to almost 3 feet now at the end of November.

TGC · 11-30-11, 01:12 PM

i could get a new tank at christmas probably.. the problem is that my stand is 24 inches wide.. so if i get a 36" tank, i will not be able to place my UTH on the end of the tank.. how can i resolve this?

alessia55 · 11-30-11, 01:18 PM

Is it 24" wide or long??

My bp outgrew his 20gal in a year.

Kiljosh · 11-30-11, 01:19 PM

You could use risers on the bottom of the tank and just put it on a table/dresser top. Or if you find a tank with a stand included that'd be nice. A little sandpaper and paint and anything can look nice again as long as it's not too busted up.

I think he is saying 24" long, 18" deep, 18" high

TGC · 11-30-11, 01:22 PM

well then I guess i'll look into this when i have some money for it. hopefully around chirstmas