I want a natural Paludarium with a snake...

beaubarger · 07-21-04, 10:16 AM

I have a 29 gallon I am doing nothing with it, I think it would be cool to have a natural vivaium like some keep poison frogs in, except with more water feature.(I want a couple zebra danio, and maybe a betta in the water feature) Im curious if this type of setup is suitable for any type of snake?....Humidity will be at least 80-90% again I know nothing about any snakes is this good for any type?.....being a smaller tank, I would like to have a snake that will not easily outgrow this size........Any ideas? the more colorful the better, Ive fell in love with those green tree snakes but know they get WAY TOO BIG, and are not suited for this environment.....hopefully Im not wishing for something that doesnt exist.....BTW. what Im hoping to do is basically 40% water in the tank with islands constructed to the back and sides.
I am not opposed to other species of animals either so just some suggestions on other options that I could either keep with the snake or if we cant keep a snake what would be even cooler?

mettle · 07-21-04, 04:38 PM

I don't know of any type of snake that would survive in that. And if there is one, they would eat those fish you have listed. The fish themselves may attack each other. Danios are very nippy fish and will probably go for a betta's fins.

You mentioned frogs, but I don't know if you're opposed to them. But dart frogs come in a variety of colors and are very nice. By the same token, I think that red eye tree frogs are very nice as well.

If not... you could possibly do something with newts. That would be cool. I believe you could then also add some minows to the water as they're both capable of being in the same water-temp.

I have a 29 g sitting beside me right now as I type this, and I'm kinda stuck to think about what you could keep in there. Sorry if I haven't been much help.

Double J · 07-21-04, 07:37 PM

The tank ewould work with amazons or emerald tree boas. Teh dutch and the germans do it all the time. There are a few zoological facilities that keep dart frogs and boas of the genus Corallus together as often they are sympatric, and plenty of european hobbyists do it as well, though you need a bigger tank than a 29 gallon. However, it seems that you need a little more experience if you are planning on your first vivarium. If you like dart frogs, try some auratus from www.understoryenterprises.com Mark Pepper sells the best frogs in the Canada bar none. Check out his site.

Good luck.

beaubarger · 07-22-04, 08:59 AM

yeah Ive never kept snakes or frogs before, but keep a planted discus tank. I kept iguanas for many years though, you have a good idea about the newts, and frogs.
thinking last night I wouldnt be opposed to not doing a huge water feature, but maybe just a small trickle for humidity......Im really interested in the emerald tree boa, would this work? especially since I already have enough fish in the house.......emeral tree boa are those the green ones? got a pic or a site with a pic?

latazyo · 07-22-04, 09:42 AM

the emerald tree boa is absolutely not a good choice for a first snake

beaubarger · 07-22-04, 10:33 AM

Im finding that out by reading on the net......I really want something that will stay medium sized and is docile..

latazyo · 07-22-04, 11:23 AM

are you looking for a snake or for something to put in a vivarium?

beaubarger · 07-22-04, 02:20 PM

I have come to terms that the best environment for any snake is not a vivarium or palidarium..........what snake would you reccomend to a beginner? I love the looks of all the Boas and pythons

latazyo · 07-22-04, 05:13 PM

I haven't worked with them, but a common recommendation is the children's or spotted python, manageable size and good eaters...I would not recommend a ball python as a first snake....my first snake was a corn snake, they are great, they tolerate handling and laways feed well

Double J · 07-23-04, 07:41 AM

There is nothing wrong with a naturalistic setup for a snake provided you know what you are doing. If you are new to snakes... absolutely... a rubbermaid is a great tool wth which you can learn the hobby of snake keeping. In my opnion, f you want a snaturalistc setup AND a snake... try your hand at an eay snake in a rubber maid. Then work your way up.

Double J

mettle · 07-23-04, 10:12 AM

My first snake was a corn and I must say they're great in that they're hardy, allow for frequent handling, and are generally extremely docile...

...however, contrary to what most people say, this isn't always the best, as it can allow a person to become lazy and neglect their snake. Then again, if that's going to happen, it's a good possibility it would happen with whatever snake you had.

My biggest recommendation would be a corn snake or a king snake. Corn snake first though. If you don't like colbrids or think they're too 'scrawny' or 'sissy' like some people have told me, then the children's python is probably a good choice. I've never had one but I've only ever heard good things about them.

As for a ball python not being a good first snake... Honestly... Any snake you get could be a good first snake. It depends how much research you do on it before hand and how dedicated and willing you are to provide it with the best care. Don't 'settle' for a lesser snake when you know you want a particular one. BUT. Also do as much research, on the net, in the library, asking people questions, as you possibly can before getting that snake, regardless of what type you get.

I know someone whose first snake was a burmese python. Worked out just fine for her. I know someone else whose first snake was a Brazilian rainbow boa. Worked out just fine for him. I know someone else whose first snake was... well... you get the idea.

Point is, different people, different snake, but lots of knowledge and research behind the purchases.

Good luck with your hunt!

marisa · 07-23-04, 10:16 AM

I agree with this statement HUGE!

"As for a ball python not being a good first snake... Honestly... Any snake you get could be a good first snake. It depends how much research you do on it before hand and how dedicated and willing you are to provide it with the best care"

This is VERY true. When people come online here and ask what snake they should start with its really hard to evaluate what snake would best personally suit them. For some, a corn is almost too much, while for others, a Green Tree Python was their first and they can handle it perfectly well.

I say pick the snake you like the most. Spend a good 6 months or so thinking it over, setting up an enclosure, researching, reading, talking to others who own the species....etc...if you do all this, almost any snake can be a starter snake once you know what you are getting into.

Marisa