20 Gallon Aquarium, and questions

[technocardy]

Hey guys and gals! I've just started the new and exciting journey on becoming a snake owner. While I'm still in the research stage and have yet to actually purchase anything, I have gone to a local & reputable reptile store and spoke with a gentleman who's been in this hobby for 26 years. I told him I had a 20 Gallon Aquarium and I was looking at buying a boa (bci), he didn't seem to think that was a bad idea. Fast forward a few days and I've since been scouring the Internet, found this site and have read a few things.

Some seem to think they should be avoided at all costs. Some seem to think that they should be avoided if you have a ball Python. Some don't really seem to really care either way (ill-informed?). I know even on here there are many different opinions, so I figured I'd share my game plan and either you guys and gals can critique it, or help me with other ways of doing it better.

So, like I've mentioned I've been doing some research and understand the basics so far. My game plan so far is as follows:

• Paint the sides and back black to help the snake feel secure,
• Ensure the proper top is bought to prevent the snake from escaping (mesh top with these "proper" hooks I keep hearing about),
• Cover the heated side with glass to help contain heat and humidity, while allowing the cool side to be open (still mesh covered),
• Provide several areas for the snake to hide, at least 1 on both sides,
• Heating pad with thermostat and auto regulation temperature control with night mode for the warm side,
• And finally at this point no sort of lights as they're nocturnal

This is so far my plan. Obviously as well as placing substrate, a water bowl, plants and other things for the snake too hide in/move around in/on.

How does this sound so far? What can I do to improve it? Or does this sound like a decent set up for a first time snake soon-to-be-owner?

Thanks a million in advanced!

[jpsteele80]

Ok, your on the right track but just a few pointers here, first the snake isn't going to give a rats a$$ if you paint the tank any color, what's going to make it feel secure is a place to hide, one on the cool side and one on the warm side but with only 10 Gallon aquarium you may not have that choice. Secondly yes you want to make it secure to make sure it doesn't get out, you talked about keeping the humidity in, as long as you have any part of a screen top open, where do you think your humidity is going to go? And as long as your using heat tape your right not to add a light, no need for it. I'm thinking a boa would almost be outgrown in a 10 Gallon tall, if you want a boa I'd start With a 20 gallon long but I think a ball would be a better starter snake. Just my 2 cents

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by jpsteele80

Ok, your on the right track but just a few pointers here, first the snake isn't going to give a rats a$$ if you paint the tank any color, what's going to make it feel secure is a place to hide, one on the cool side and one on the warm side but with only 10 Gallon aquarium you may not have that choice. Secondly yes you want to make it secure to make sure it doesn't get out, you talked about keeping the humidity in, as long as you have any part of a screen top open, where do you think your humidity is going to go? And as long as your using heat tape your right not to add a light, no need for it. I'm thinking a boa would almost be outgrown in a 10 Gallon tall, if you want a boa I'd start With a 20 gallon long but I think a ball would be a better starter snake. Just my 2 cents

Jpsteele I'd have to disagree on the starter snake. Bci are not harder to care for than ball pythons, they just get bigger(colombians that is.) Some can grow to be smaller than ball pythons like mexican locality boas, the island boas around belize...etc

OP, You're on a good start. Painting the sides will definitely help with security if you are planning to keep your animal in a high traffic area. But as Jpsteele said, an enclosure that size will become small very soon for a bci.

The reason people don't like glass tanks is for the exact reason you pointed out. They are not good for retaining heat and humidity, even when you try to cover the top with a solid plane of glass. You would need to let very little mesh be uncovered. It's also inconvenient to have to remove everything ontop of the enclosure everytime you want to open it(for maintenance, cleaning, feeding...etc).

Since you already have the glass tank, try now to keep conditions stable before you get your snake. Then you can use it as a temporary enclosure while looking for a bigger, more permanent home.

[pdomensis]

Since you're still in the early stages, you might consider just ditching the 20g and going with a plastic tote. It will be much better for humidity and heat and (depending on the size you get) handle a bci for several years.

Thanks for doing your homework early! It saves so much trouble.

[jpsteele80]

Never said bci were harder to take care of, just said I thought balls are a better first snake. I agree with pdomensis, I would ditch the tank and opt for the tub as well but if your adamant on keeping the tank a really good option for keeping in humidity would be to ditch the heat tape,cover the whole top with tinfoil, then cut a hole just a little smaller than the outer diameter of the light dome you will be using and it should hold humidity really good then, the holes in the dome will be sufficient for air exchange. Just an option

[jpsteele80]

Also no offense but I've noticed most pet store owners will say just about anything is a good idea to sell you something, not saying your local guy isn't honest but most are not. Also do yourself a favor and what ever route you decide to go, get it from a breeder even if you have to wait, pet stores literally buy ball pythons for like 5 dollars and then sell them for 75 to 100 dollars, huge mark ups and you could have bought a captive Bred for much cheaper and it will probably be healthier as well.

[deathdealer91]

I wouldn't paint the sides. i would just buy a background and stick it on the tank. that's what i did with my female bp. she loves it.

[wrecker45]

Hey Tech i see your in canada. Contact Nagyreptiles they breed boas. They are in ontario.They are great to deal with and very helpfull. They are forum members.

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by jpsteele80

Ok, your on the right track but just a few pointers here, first the snake isn't going to give a rats a$$ if you paint the tank any color, what's going to make it feel secure is a place to hide, one on the cool side and one on the warm side but with only 10 Gallon aquarium you may not have that choice. Secondly yes you want to make it secure to make sure it doesn't get out, you talked about keeping the humidity in, as long as you have any part of a screen top open, where do you think your humidity is going to go? And as long as your using heat tape your right not to add a light, no need for it. I'm thinking a boa would almost be outgrown in a 10 Gallon tall, if you want a boa I'd start With a 20 gallon long but I think a ball would be a better starter snake. Just my 2 cents

Hey! I have a 20 gallon aquarium, not a 10. Also, I read that the sides and back of the tank should be covered, or wood, or painted dark so the snake can feel safe. If painting it black doesn't make a difference, I wont. Would you suggest another way to cover it up, or just leave it as it is?

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Jpsteele I'd have to disagree on the starter snake. Bci are not harder to care for than ball pythons, they just get bigger(colombians that is.) Some can grow to be smaller than ball pythons like mexican locality boas, the island boas around belize...etc

OP, You're on a good start. Painting the sides will definitely help with security if you are planning to keep your animal in a high traffic area. But as Jpsteele said, an enclosure that size will become small very soon for a bci.

The reason people don't like glass tanks is for the exact reason you pointed out. They are not good for retaining heat and humidity, even when you try to cover the top with a solid plane of glass. You would need to let very little mesh be uncovered. It's also inconvenient to have to remove everything ontop of the enclosure everytime you want to open it(for maintenance, cleaning, feeding...etc).

Since you already have the glass tank, try now to keep conditions stable before you get your snake. Then you can use it as a temporary enclosure while looking for a bigger, more permanent home.

Good to see that I'm off to a good start. I was thinking that I'd get it all set up and monitor it for a while to see if I can keep the heat and humidity within appropriate ranges before actually buying a snake. I know it's not an ideal enclosure, so we'll see how it works before buying a snake. Thanks for the tips!

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by pdomensis

Since you're still in the early stages, you might consider just ditching the 20g and going with a plastic tote. It will be much better for humidity and heat and (depending on the size you get) handle a bci for several years.

Thanks for doing your homework early! It saves so much trouble.

I think I'll look into a plastic container. I definitely get why it's easier, but I think the aesthetics of a larger, see through tank would be nicer. I do get that nicer isn't always the way to go though.

And no need to thank me for doing my homework, I think all people should do their due diligence before getting any pet. Whether it be a snake, hamster, or dog.

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by jpsteele80

Also no offense but I've noticed most pet store owners will say just about anything is a good idea to sell you something, not saying your local guy isn't honest but most are not. Also do yourself a favor and what ever route you decide to go, get it from a breeder even if you have to wait, pet stores literally buy ball pythons for like 5 dollars and then sell them for 75 to 100 dollars, huge mark ups and you could have bought a captive Bred for much cheaper and it will probably be healthier as well.

Hey, no offence taken! I should have mentioned that before he started at the store he was a breeder and collector, and still is. Has over 150 snakes and 2 rooms dedicated. He is also still heavy into the breeding.

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by deathdealer91

I wouldn't paint the sides. i would just buy a background and stick it on the tank. that's what i did with my female bp. she loves it.

Cheaper (maybe?) and quicker, I like it!

[technocardy]

Originally Posted by wrecker45

Hey Tech i see your in canada. Contact Nagyreptiles they breed boas. They are in ontario.They are great to deal with and very helpfull. They are forum members.

Thanks for the tip! Will definitely hunt him/her down and contact them.

[technocardy]

Yes, I know... I could have multi-quoted everyone and done it in one reply. Sorry for the noob-ness!