Glass Enclosures for BCI?

hylia · 04-19-12, 03:51 PM

I currently have my young Boa in a 15 gallon tank. From what I have researched, it seems like this is not ideal and I should use something that retains heat better. I don't have too much trouble maintaining with my 15 gallon, but I assume a bigger tank will be harder to heat??

I am planning on building my own acrylic/wood enclosure, but, plans have changed a bit and we may be moving next year. I don't want to build some big enclosure (I plan on making matching stand and all) just to have to move it and risk damaging it.

So, I was looking at the Exo-Terra tanks, either the 36x18x18H or the 36x18x24H to use as an intermediate. Which size would be better? Does anyone here use glass for larger BCI? Do you have trouble keeping the heat/humidity up?

I am just asking before buying anything. I have read some sites that make it seem like a sin to keep Boas in glass, so I am just not sure if it's really that bad or if they just make it seem so because they have a different preference.

Most of the stores here keep all their snakes in glass, even one all reptile store where the guys seem pretty knowledgeable. So, is it really as bad as some make it seem?

Thanks for your input.

CK SandBoas · 04-19-12, 04:00 PM

Honestly, i keep my Brazilian Rainbow Boa in a glass enclosure, with the top covered by lexan, and i have had no issues whatsoever, knock on wood, having him in there. It might take a little more effort to make a glass enclosure work, but it can be done

USMCgunner11 · 04-19-12, 06:21 PM

Depending on the climate you're in, it may be harder for you to control the temp inside the tank if the air temp is naturally cooler. If you use a glass tank, at least cover it like KKgal had suggested. Honestly though, it's a lot easier and neater to have everything internalized in the tank (lighting and heating) than to have a bunch of stuff piled up on the top of it. But that's just my opinion.

Terranaut · 04-19-12, 08:01 PM

The issue with glass tanks isn't the glass but usually these have a screen lid. The lid allows moisture to easily eascape so heating isn't hard but keeping your humidity from bottoming out can be a nightmare. But I currently have my royal in double door exoterra glass tank with a piece of foil on the screen. Humidity is fine and temps are easy to maintain. My boas are in pvc vivs and they are by far a better way to go. Very easy to keep your temp/humidity constant. I would recomend that if you have to spend money anyway just get a pvc enclosure right away and be done with it.