Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I realize that people with lots of snakes keep theirs in large Tupperware containers with holes drilled in the sides. But for people with just a few that keep theirs in aquariums, what is the best, most secure top? The reptile aquariums with a sliding top with a loop for a lock are good as far as i can tell but they are a lot more expensive than a plain aquarium. And the plastic top as Wal-Mart used for reptiles, hamsters, etc for 10-gallon aquariums have plenty of potential breaking areas in the plastic so a snake to get out some day. Metal mesh lids seem good but they have no locking mechanism. So, how do you lock the top of an aquarium so a venomous snake cannot get out and nosy people can't easily get in and bitten?

The one thing you do not want to go cheap on is the proper equipment and caging..... Especially when dealing with venomous species...... All glass aquariums are good for nothing but fish.... Dont be cheap..... Go out and buy a cage like a vision or a precision or a boaphile plastics cage......

"vision or a precision or a boaphile plastics cage"
Um, well, I guess I'll have to find that on the internet and find out what makes them so great I guess. And where to find them.

I looked at them on the net. Thanks but they seem to be big, dark boxes made for selling animals out of or breeding them in. That would be fine except I won't be doing either one. I want to actually be able to SEE my snakes (if they are out in the cage). So an all-glass aquarium seems better in that regard. Also, if a hinge breaks on the door then nothing stops the snake from sliding right out onto the floor. I like having the lid on top so it would have a lot more trouble getting out. And its not like I take my snakes out all the time. And I have NO interest in stacking cages. Remember, I only have a few, I don't sell them, and I don't plan on breeding them. So appearance is important too because I look at them every day. Having breakable glass is a problem of course. And the lids aren't really made for snakes.

I agree. They should make something that you can look at them through but with the benefits of one of those other cages. Could you put a precision cage at eye level though? It should still allow you to look in like a zoo, and you can usually see the animal. What I like least is the front opening though.

Also, they can get out from a top opening cage just as easily.

I have to disagree with you on that. Everyone is different, but for me, I find that with my elapids, I prefer the large aquariums. I then make two inner locking screens with a sliding track down the center to section off one side when I need to clean, then one large screen with locks to secure the two inner screens. I find this very safe and easy to maintain and much better than a Rubebrmaid or Vision. Even my mambas are easy to control this way. With vipers, I prefer front doors or Rubbermaids, depending on their age and if I'll be breeding them or not. But aquariums are not cheap by any means and make a perfect enclosure if you spend the time to set it up right.

GreggMM is exactly right! No snakes should be kept in an aquarium, no less a venomous species.

Al

>>I realize that people with lots of snakes keep theirs in large Tupperware containers with holes drilled in the sides. But for people with just a few that keep theirs in aquariums, what is the best, most secure top? The reptile aquariums with a sliding top with a loop for a lock are good as far as i can tell but they are a lot more expensive than a plain aquarium. And the plastic top as Wal-Mart used for reptiles, hamsters, etc for 10-gallon aquariums have plenty of potential breaking areas in the plastic so a snake to get out some day. Metal mesh lids seem good but they have no locking mechanism. So, how do you lock the top of an aquarium so a venomous snake cannot get out and nosy people can't easily get in and bitten?

"GreggMM is exactly right! No snakes should be kept in an aquarium, no less a venomous species.

Al"

I'm new to all of this. Can you explain why a venomous snake should not be kept in an aquarium?
Thanks!