Snake Kit: Yay or Nay?

[Fleagirl]

So I have been mulling over what snake I want to get as my first snake and after reading and watching youtube videos, as well as the overwhelming response on the two reptile forums that I joined (you guys are awesomesauce) I have decided to go with a corn snake.

My local pet store has this Zoo Med kit here. It seems like a pretty good deal but I do not know much about Zoo Med as far as the quality of their stuff goes. Also is that going to be too big of a tank for a baby snake? I think it will be fine when it's older but I read that too big a tank can stress a snake out.

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

Looks good to me. Has all you need. Heat lamp, bulb, water bowl, under tank heater, bedding, Repti Safe etc. Some people don't like the Aspen snake bedding but I do. It's clean, you can see the waste real easy and when they go into shed, you can spray it down with water to help them shed. Good thing about Corns, they don't require a large variable heat and humidity changes. Good snake to keep. I don't see how you could go with any better, myself.

[SSSSnakes]

You are better off buying what you need piece by piece. You can never have to big of an enclosure, all you do is fill it with hides and plants and make it more comfortable for the snake. Don't have to many open areas that may make the snake feel vulnerable.

[Mikoh4792]

I'd go with a digital thermometer such as acurite over the analog one, and I'd add a thermostat for each heat source being used.

[sharthun]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

I'd go with a digital thermometer such as acurite over the analog one, and I'd add a thermostat for each heat source being used.

I agree, also I think a 20g is too small when a corn snake matures. Front opening doors are better than top opening. I would go with at least a 40g size and just add more cover. The largest enclosure that you can afford is always better imo. That way you don't have to buy a larger enclosure as your snake grows. In other words, purchase an enclosure that's large enough to house the adult snake to begin with. I also recommend taking a look at the plastic cage offereings on the internet. Animal plastics,Constrictors Norhwest,Pvccages to name a few. Plastic cages are much easier to heat and clean IMO.

[MDT]

I would echo what SSSSnakes said....don't fall into the ZooMed trap. Just get the stuff you *really* need. A good enclosure. a good heat source (typically UTH) with a thermostat, a good thermometer, plenty of hides (can be as easy as cereal boxes) and water.

Best of luck, post pics when you get everything set up.

[pdomensis]

A corn doesn't need two heat sources, especially in a 20 gallon. I wouldn't use the blue light anyway, or any heat lamp for that matter. You definitely need a thermostat to regulate the temperature and as said above, a digital thermo/hygrometer would be much better. The booklet and water conditioner are also a waste of money. IMO you're better off figuring out what you need and getting those things. Hides, bowls and plants don't have to be petstore specific; just use what you can find so you have more money for important things like the thermostat. I couldnt see a price anywhere so its tough to say if it's a good deal, but considering all the unnecessary items, I would say no.

[Jim Smith]

I would suggest that you check locally on Craig's list for a larger aquarium that will be large enough for the full lifetime of the snake. You can usually get them fairly cheap, many times they come as part of a package deal with a snake. Also, make sure that your local pet store has taken good care of their reptiles before you make your purchase. There are a number of sad stories (some of them very recent) where the animals purchased were sick and died shortly after being purchased. Just a couple of thoughts...

[Fleagirl]

That's the second time I've heard to get plastic instead of glass. Why? What's the difference. You'd think glass would be better.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Fleagirl

That's the second time I've heard to get plastic instead of glass. Why? What's the difference. You'd think glass would be better.

It's not that glass is that much better than plastic, it's because glass tanks have screen tops and plastic enclosures usually have solid tops with front opening doors. It's just a better design in general. Better for retaining heat and humidity, and you don't need to remove the heat lamps/undo the clamps everytime you have to get inside the enclosure. It's less stress for the animal, and less stress for you.

You can get by just fine with a glass tank... it's just that plastic/wood enclosures are "better".

[CosmicOwl]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

It's not that glass is that much better than plastic, it's because glass tanks have screen tops and plastic enclosures usually have solid tops with front opening doors. It's just a better design in general. Better for retaining heat and humidity, and you don't need to remove the heat lamps/undo the clamps everytime you have to get inside the enclosure. It's less stress for the animal, and less stress for you.

You can get by just fine with a glass tank... it's just that plastic/wood enclosures are "better".

I think it's close with corns as their humidity requirements aren't high. With just a large water bowl, humidity can soar in tubs or other enclosures.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by CosmicOwl

I think it's close with corns as their humidity requirements aren't high. With just a large water bowl, humidity can soar in tubs or other enclosures.

That's true, I'd say the same for most of the snakes I keep which are carpet pythons. They don't require high humidity, and many people get by fine using tanks. I'd say actual "snake enclosures" are better at maintaining a more stable environment.

But besides the screen top/solid top argument, with plastic or wood you have more options for customization. You can drill holes for ventilation, or for screwing on branches, ledges...etc.

[Fleagirl]

Do you all have any brands / makers you recommend?

[eminart]

Front opening doors are definitely nice, but I don't understand why people say it's hard to keep humidity in a tank with a screen top. Just cover the screen. Seriously, you can cover or uncover as much of the top as you need to keep in heat and humidity. It can be as simple as laying a couple of magazines on top, or you can do something more permanent if it suits you.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Fleagirl

Do you all have any brands / makers you recommend?

Animalplastics, boaphile, constrictors northwest, pvccages