Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi i plan on getting a ball python soon, i am going to get the aquarium and hides and everything set up first andthen get one in a few weeks...is a 60 gallon tank good for its whole life? if not what size do i need?

Definity plenty big for an adult ball, I use 40 gallon breeders, and most care sheets say 30 gallon long are big enough. I figure, as long as the snake isn't really small, and there is plenty of hides the bigger the better. That said, I struggle to maintane proper humidity and temperature inside my 40 gallon breeder tanks during the dry iowa winters. So I would caution you going too large. If you are getting a baby ball, then I would look at keeping it in a 10 gallon till it gets a bit bigger, and can't escape.

jesse
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"Mr. Hat"
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60 gallon, way too big. Great for fish, though. Start out with a small rubbermaid for a small snake. Or, try a 10 gallon glass tank and learn how to maintain temps and humidity. Then you'll have a better idea what it takes to keep a snake and what size tank to get when the snake gets bigger.

that size is great. And a young one can be put in provided there are plenty of hides and temps, etc are correct - but I already know you're going to make sure this is all correct before adding your BP.

I forgot to ask you, what are the dimensions of a 60 gallon? I know the dimensions for a 50, 55 and 65 - but not 60?

Kelly
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im not sure the demensions for a 60, i called a pet store and asked how much they cost and he told me 170$ which was kinda suprising but i found an aquarium warehouse outlet that guarntees the best prices in my city and he said 120, im thinking of going with a 50 breeder as it is a little bit cheaper and a little bit smaller. i am going to get the tank tonight along with a few big hides and i have a couple spare trees to go in there...i was wondering though u know those lights that sit on top of the cage rather than a screen top with dome lights? is it easier to maintain temps/humidity with those? i cant see it being tooo much of a problem for me because my king and corn are both at 40% during day and drops to about 35% at night and i dont even try to keep it up unless they are in shed. if i was to go with a screen top what could i use on top of the screen to hold humidity in? i know i shouldnt block the whole screen off as the snake needs fresh air but i was thinking maybe a bit on the warm side blocked off with something so it doesnt all escape. anyway ill post some pics of my setup when i get it done so i can see what everyone thinks, and one last question...it says they need a basking spot of 90 and regular temps on warm about 88 and cool cant drop below 75, kinda like my kings except his can drop a bit more so i cant see it bein too much trouble i will just need to know how many times i need to mist and everythign ne way thanks for the help ill post back soon
Chuck

The lights will more than likely dry things up - making you have to mist more. I have all of my screen covered with duct tape and have holes for where the lights are. With my Tropic-Aire Humidifier the humidity stays up and the air stays fresh. You'll have to experiment a bit. The humidity in my house is 20-25% so I have to work more than you may have to.
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Another thing, you want your cool side to be 80-85. 88 is too high as you wouldn't really be providing much of a gradient with your warm side being 90.

I've heard other people just cover the top with towels, pegboard or plexiglass.

Good luck!
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1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
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0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"