Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a similiar question in a couple of the forums. I have a 50 gal aquarium, previous home to a ball python. The lid i used before was a simple screen top with clips and large rocks on each corner. Any suggestions on maybe customizing, re-enforcing, or even constructing a different kind of lid? The method mentioned above was suitable for the ball python, as he was not strong enough to lift the lid when secured with the rocks. Of course, the clips were virtually pointless i my opinion, as he could make his way out when they alone were utilized, hence the incorporation of the rocks. They did help on the length, long side. Anyways, I'm drifting, back to my point. lol. I'm thinking of going with a carpet python. As they are larger, therefore a bit stronger, and reputed to be a good escapist to boot, would anyone have any suggestions on ensuring that the enclosure methods would be secure? I have young children, my main basis for this question. I have dealt with escapists before, as affore mentioned, the ball was good at regaining his freedom. I did not have kids then, so my only concern was finding the snake for his own safety, and that of other pets. It does up the ante a bit though when children are added to this equation. Thanks in advance for any advice.

I wanted to add that if I did construct a new lid, I was thinking of going with maybe a plexi-glass and/or wood design, as the carpets tend to like humidity. Any tips on construction, or pics of similiar designs would also be helpful. Thanks again.

I have some great designs, yet rather simple. I'll post the descriptions a bit later. The basic theory is this: if you make the lid main frame assembly heavy enough, the snake can't push out. Then you make latchable access panels that can be easily removed, replaced, etc. You can make access panels for different levels of ventilation, lighting, etc. Some can be acrylic, some screen, whatever makes you happy.

Tools required: circular saw and straight-egde or tablesaw, miter saw, router, drill.

thanks for the reply. I am very good with my hands, and I am definitly leaning towards designing and building my own lid for this aquarium setup. Any ideas on just how heavy the lid would have to be? Or suggestions on where I might find out? (websites, links, personal experience, etc.) Like I mentioned, before, I have only shared my home with fairly small animals, a juvenile monitor lizard and ball python being the largest I have kept. I just want to make sure that I have everything in place before I do purchase a carpet python. For future large animals, such as boas which I plan to keep later, I will probably build and design enclosures then. I would just like to utilize the aquarium I already have, as it would be a waste to let it sit unused. Thanks again for replying. Any ideas and suggestions are very much apprectiated and considered.

OK, here is a verbal of one design I've made. It held a 4ft boa w/o escape.

1. Flip the tank upside down so the top rim is on the floor or your work surface.

2. Use the rim to measure 1x6 poplar planks. I've used 1x4 planks with success, but using 1x6 makes escape even more unlikely for larger snakes. You pick. Anyway, cut two pieces that span the length of the tank plus 2x the thickness of the planks plus 3/32" for clearance, and two pieces that span the width of the tank plus 3/32" for clearance.

You may also use ripped plywood instead.

3. Fasten the planks together. I use glue and clamps to hold it together until it is dry, then use countersunk screws and either screwcaps or putty to hide the screws if you want to.

4. I have some clamps that hold planks at 90 deg angles. I use those to keep the frame square, then lay the frame over a piece of plywood and use the frame to mark the plywood top piece.

For the top piece, you can use 3/4 ply if you want.

Here is what I do for a typical access panel on the top piece:

1. I get a piece of acrylic (1/4" thick) and cut it 12"x12". Then I drill air holes as large as makes sense for the snake - i.e. 1/4" dia is fine for anything larger than a yearling colubrid. A uni-bit won't crack the acrylic.

2. I cut an 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 square in the top piece. Then I router the edges about 3/8" out on each edge and 1/4" deep so that the acrylic piece fits in the cut-out.

3. Hold the panel down with screen door clips or whatever you want, but make it so you can remove the panel easily and quickly without tools.

You can make othet panels that are screened, etc. Or a hinged door that is partially screened and partially covered in acrylic. Whatever you want. Good luck!

.