Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I might be getting a ribbon snake today( I have researched garters and ribbon snakes for 2 or 3 years) I think my tank is a 30 gallon, I don't know for sure because it was given to me.. it is 30" x 12", I have a hide(1 1/2" tall clay flower pan with hole cut in), a dish 3" deep x 10" long and 5" wide, a wooden tunnel/hide, a piece of slate for sun bathing. And a clip lamp.
I need to know if a 2 foot ribbon snake can fit throught mesh with around a 1/4" hole, a pencil cannot fit through the holes..
And I a read on a care sheet that you can use a normal light bulb as a basking lamp, what wattage is needed?

Thank you!

I'd feel safest with a finer screen with your setup. Like that used on a screen door. Snakes are great at worming through tiny holes, and if an escape isn't possible, injury in an attempt surely is.

For the bulb, the wattage is dependent on what temperatures it results in. I'd begin with a 60-75W bulb, and move it closer or farther from the cage to see what temperature ranges this creates.

Ian