Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,

I recently bought a second hand 90 gallon tank for my 1.5 year old Columbian female. Rather than a traditional screen top, it came with a piece of heavy particle board that sits on top. I was wondering how much ventilation my boa would need. It seems to me that the particle board on top would allow for as much air exchange as a breeder's plastic tub system, but my friend (who keeps boids) disagrees. What do you think? I could easily drill several good-sized holes in the top and cover them with mesh - how much open area do you think it needs?

Also, this tank is a non-standard size - about 13 inches wide, 71 inches long, and 16 inches tall. How large a snake do you think it can accommodate? I've never bred any snakes, but what kind of dimensions would she need to be comfortable if she's gravid?
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0.1 Boa constrictor imperator
2.5 Ball pythons
1.1 Crested Geckos

>>Hi folks,
>>
>>I recently bought a second hand 90 gallon tank for my 1.5 year old Columbian female. Rather than a traditional screen top, it came with a piece of heavy particle board that sits on top. I was wondering how much ventilation my boa would need. It seems to me that the particle board on top would allow for as much air exchange as a breeder's plastic tub system, but my friend (who keeps boids) disagrees. What do you think? I could easily drill several good-sized holes in the top and cover them with mesh - how much open area do you think it needs?
>>
>>Also, this tank is a non-standard size - about 13 inches wide, 71 inches long, and 16 inches tall. How large a snake do you think it can accommodate? I've never bred any snakes, but what kind of dimensions would she need to be comfortable if she's gravid?

You could go with a three or so inch hole at each end and screen it over. Personally it is probably fine the way it is. It probably could house her for another year anyway. The fact that it is only 13 wide makes me think she'll need bigger soon just because of her girth and turn room. It sounds closer to 65 gals. and a window sort of fish tank. Just my thoughts.
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

Two rows of 1/2-5/8" holes evenly spaced the full lenghth
Inset 3-4" from both front and back edge
No screen needed,sand the edges of the holes to remove possible splinters.

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TnK

Yep, I agree, two rows of .5” should be fine.
It would be nice (in the long run) not to use a wood product on/ in/ around your cage because it is hard to clean properly, it can swell with moisture, and it sucks if you happen to get mites.
The issue of air circulation verses humidity and heat retention is one that gets argued big time on the Cage & Habitat Design forum a lot! To stop respiratory problems some like a lot of air flow but if you live in a cold or dry climate, you need to retain humidity and heat. A good friend of mine believes she has figured out the answers; she heats her reptile room to 78-80 degrees and has a big 100 gallon fish tank in the room (for humidity and a place to keep them), her 3 boas have screen type lids. She tries once a day to open windows at bolt ends of the hall outside the room. We live in the SF Bay Area so extremes are not really experienced.
Someday I would like to take some of her ideas and have a room that has temperatures maintained at the low end of the range and a humidifier and humidistat with some kind of air exchanger system in the room…someday…

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I'm in New England, and the apartment can get awfully cool and dry in the winter, so I'm trying to keep her happy. Right now she's got a screen top, and I mist her most days with a spray bottle. Maybe someday I'll have a place that's conducive to a layout like your friend's.
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0.1 Boa constrictor imperator
2.5 Ball pythons
1.1 Crested Geckos

Ya, me too. I’m getting a new place in February when I get back from Germany so I (hopefully) will have my herp room! I’m kind of disappointed I’m missing out on this year’s breeding season. I was hoping to get my carpets going as well as a Corral bred, next year for sure!

Good idea! And thanks for the diagram. I'll probably go that route.
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0.1 Boa constrictor imperator
2.5 Ball pythons
1.1 Crested Geckos

Yeah, I figured the new tank wouldn't be a permanent solution, but for 90 dollars it was a good quick fix for someone who's mostly thumbs when it comes to carpentry. Within a year I should have more space and more cash to move her into something more comfortable. And on that timeframe, I probably won't worry about water damage to the wood top. Thanks for the advice!
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0.1 Boa constrictor imperator
2.5 Ball pythons
1.1 Crested Geckos