Setup for Leucistic Rat Snake - good/bad plants?

carac · 09-08-14, 11:44 AM

I am in the process of setting up a 55 gallon quarium environment for the Leucistic Rat Snake I am going to get after it is ready. I would like to put live plants in there to make it more natural. Are there any plants that are specifically better or worse for a Texas Rat Snake? Any they will destroy or whatever? Any help here would be appreciated. I am creating a black rock wall 3D background for the back and sides and using Flukers black aspen bedding over the soil or small pots inserted under the bedding. The idea is to create a mostly black environment with green plants, climbing trees and vines to really show him off.

IW17 · 09-08-14, 10:44 PM

Honestly a planted viv in a 55 gallon will probably get destroyed as the animal grows. Rat snakes get fairly big for that size tank to begin with, and given the limited space I would think the plants would just end up trampled. If you don't mind replacing plants then it's not a huge deal.

carac · 09-09-14, 07:25 AM

I don't mind replanting at all, but everything I have read said 9 ft all the way around the tank was room enough for this snake full grown and this will be about 12" or so when I get him. I got the size everything said I needed for him full grown.

CosmicOwl · 09-09-14, 12:56 PM

Generally, good plants would be pothos, dwarf schefflera, creeping fig and ivy. There are other options, but those plants are very easy to care for.

IW17 · 09-09-14, 04:46 PM

If you don't mind replanting then it's no biggie. Just trying to give you a heads up into possible issues in the future. As for the size of the tank, most sources state minimum sizes. Two common formulas for determining minimum size is length + width of enclosure equal to or greater than the length of the snake. Another is square footage of the floor space. A 55 has 4 square feet. You never said if your Leucistic was a black rat or a Texas rat, but a safe assumption would be that it will grow to around 6'. Some are smaller but some can be bigger. A 55 gallon utilizes height more so than width. It will work just make sure you give it lot of branches and other furniture so it can use all the vertical space. Leucistic rat snakes are one of the most beautiful, active snakes you can have the privilege to own! The more laid out the enclosure, the more you will enjoy it!

carac · 09-10-14, 07:19 AM

Thank you all for the helpful advice. This is a Texas Leucistic and the 55 gallon is not very tall. I am putting in lots of climbing space, vines and wood. Also, making sure the wood has been baked and larger pieces frozen in the deep freeze after cleaning with bleach. I am having a 3D rock wall created for the back and sides that will also have climbing ledges and cave type hiding space. Is there any benefit to having live plants in there for him? Do they help keep it more humid or anything? I am just trying to make sure the environment is perfect before I bring him home to it.

IW17 · 09-17-14, 03:45 PM

Plants will help keep the humidity up. This isn't really necessary as Texas rat snakes can tolerate a wide range of humidity. For this species it would be more personal tastes and how you want it to look. I keep my Texas rats enclosure at 85 warm side, cool side fluctuates depending on room temp, but generally mid 70's. Humidity will be anywhere between 30%-50% depending on the time of year. If your worried about humidity being to low, just add moist sphagnum Moss into a hide. You can pick it up at any pet store or craft store.