New tank :)

reptimama · 03-02-13, 08:36 PM

I have an empty 55 gallon fish tank that I would like to use as a reptile enclosure and I'm looking for ideas. Here are some details:

Tank is a regular 55 gallon fish tank deminsions 48in long, 18in high, 13in deep
Looking for a display animal that doesn't necessarily require handeling, active during the day, prefer snakes or communal lizards
Planning on screen top with locks though not purchased yet
Heat, light and humidity requirements not an issue I can do heat lights, UV lights, and I have a reptifogger that I can use for humidity if needed
Don't want to have to upgrade
Low to medium maintenance requirements
Start up costs can be higher as I'm planning on this taking some time as I gather all the supplies and decide what I actually want in the tank.

Reptile experience: Ball Python, California King Snake, Bearded Dragon
Would prefer not to repeat reptiles so wanting something different

I've been looking and I've read a lot of Bearded Dragon which I already have and also some tree boas but I think the tank would be too short for them or any arboreal snake really. I was thinking carpet python but read that there is not enough floor space for them.

infernalis · 03-02-13, 08:45 PM

Display snakes.. Perfect, active by day, climb, swim, and communal.

Corey209 · 03-02-13, 08:54 PM

Blue Tongue Skink's are diurnal and have simple husbandry.

reptimama · 03-02-13, 08:54 PM

Those display snakes are cute! Is that thier actual name? When I try to search them all I get are results like "_____snake makes a good display snake" "what type of snake makes a good display snake?" etc... If they swim I'm assumeing they need a large water bowl correct? I like the albino ones, I've been wanting an albino snake for a while too.

DeesBalls · 03-02-13, 09:10 PM

Those snakes that Infernalis posted were garter snakes... If i had the room for a nice size tank, i would LOVE a community of them myself!

Gravelanche · 03-02-13, 09:10 PM

they kinda look like garter morphs, i kinda want the red one myself now

infernalis · 03-02-13, 09:11 PM

Thamnophis.

AKA Garter snakes.

I keep a few, they are active, busy, will watch you vacuum, are great feeders, and don't mind living 2-3 per cage.

Garter Snakes

reptimama · 03-02-13, 09:16 PM

I've had a garter snake before

but it was a LONG time ago. I didn't even know they came in such pretty colors. The one I had was like out of the yard black and yellow if I remember correctly, I think I was in elementary school. That is a good idea though.

reptimama · 03-03-13, 10:52 AM

My husband is trying to talk my into a Chinese Water Dragon now.

Zosime · 03-03-13, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptimama

My husband is trying to talk my into a Chinese Water Dragon now.

Water dragons get big and they are aboreal i wouldnt recommend it for a 55 gallon tank,

reptimama · 03-03-13, 02:44 PM

After talking to my reptile guy I think I'm going with a Green Tree Python, always wanted one of those anyway and it will be a great wow factor.

KORBIN5895 · 03-03-13, 03:19 PM

A 55 gallon really isn't a good tank for a gtp.

reptimama · 03-03-13, 03:32 PM

Really? I was thinking that and then I did some more reserch and what I found was they like more horizontal space as that is how they move through the trees. What would you suggest?

Lankyrob · 03-03-13, 03:35 PM

What size is a 55g?

reptimama · 03-03-13, 03:49 PM

48in long, 18in high, 13in deep