Reptile & Amphibian Forums

does anybody have any good advice on where i can find a cheap tank (preferably 30 gal) for a young ball python? i've looked all over craigslist and checked local pet supply prices, but they are all so expensive. it doesn't have to be new or watertight, i can even make a lid for an old fish tank. i just think i'm looking in the wrong places for one. i live in the bay area, california, and i'll be picking up the snake tomorrow (hopefully). any advice would be appreciated!!

well how much are willing to spend? Look at yard sales. Or even or to wal-mart to buy a rubber maid container. If you do that Make sure you put holes to allow air to get in.

I think I can help, look at any flea markets/thirft stores/swap meets, and be ready to clean them things, but i found an 80 gal. tank at one for $5 it just had a hole in the seal, that they "couldn't" find
-----
A.J.
1.0.0- Amel Motley Corn- Valentine (R.I.P 5/20/05)
0.1.0- Snow Corn- Artica
1.0.0- Normal Corn- Ember
1.0.0- Ball Python- G.T.

Depending on how "handy" you are they are very easy to make wood,glass,plexi-glass..I'd kinda rather go that route then you can design it to your own specs.
But if your in a bit of a time pinch as it sounds you are,I've seen set-ups at Petco with all the lights,heat mats,bedding,etc. for around $200,can't remember but they were in the 15-20 gal size witch is fine for a juvi ball..I do recommend getting a rock looking hide with a little moistened moss my ball loves it and she sheds great in it with the extra humidity.

I used to have 3 glass tanks for all of BP's and yes they do add up. So I sold all of them and switched to sterilite bins. They are cheaper, they hold the humidity better, and they don't melt with the belly heaters underneath. I'll attach a pic of my temporary rack style setup on the next thread. By the way I live in Fremont. Mark

Here's a pic of my rack style set up, and it cost me $20! I all ready had the heaters and the waterbowls. It's a temporary setup until they get bigger. I have a 100% female albino het at 550 grams, a male albino at 480 grams and a male pastel hatchling at around 150 grams.
Also since the bins are semi transparent you can still see them but they can't see outside so they have less stress. Less stress easier feeding. You don't even need to get a hide box.
Boaphile makes a similar one just go to their website.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I picked up a handsome, healthy juvinile BP on Friday from a guy on Craigslist. For now, I have it in a 20 gal 30" long reptile tank from Petco. I got a special discount because the exotics vet I work for treats the Petco animals, so it didn't end up costing me as much as I originally thought. In the coming months, I'll keep on the lookout for a cheap, decent 40-50 gal enclosure on Craigslist, flea markets, etc. as a more permanent adult cage.