Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Latter on this summer, I am goign to setup my water snakes in a sortof rack system. Instead of having the tubs being covered by the next level of wood (you know like the first levels tops are covered up and preventing escape by the bttom of the 2nd level), I will have a sheet of glass fixed on the top over the tubs to prevent escape. By using the glass like that, I will be able to provide a long fluorescent light for them. It will not be the main source of heat, that will be from heat tape/cable. The only reason I will set them up in this way is for floor space and it also runs less electricity than individual tanks with lamps. I see nothing wrong with this at all. I know that fluorescent lights, whether UVB or whatever is beneficial to water snakes so I just want the best for them. I saw a display of this sort at a show and it gave me an idea. It was not exactly liek it but very close. And of course I will use the right size boxes to each snake.
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Justin

All basking snakes would benefit from florecent lighting. I don't mean to be rude, but if you really want whats best for the snakes, why don't you consider building a large natural vivarium with live plants biological filter etc? I know its very common especially in the US to keep animals in tubs and plastic shoe boxes, I just don't understand how you enjoy them that way.

I plan on building soemthing of that sort for salt marsh snakes, and a few others. It is mainly the very large species that I am going to keep in boxes. Keep in mind the boxes for that I do keep them in are very large. They have more room than they would in most tanks. I enjoy them plenty and I interact with thm a lot. Thanks for the advice and I will keep hwat you said in mind.
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Justin

Sounds like you have a large collection. Lighting can have a profound effect on breeding. I noticed with watersnakes that I have kept, that lighting is a better stimulant for breeding then over wintering. Creating vivs is fun, I am sure you'll enjoy it.

They are fun to make, I have made several over the years, but I prefer to use the plastic box setups because of the simplicity. I thouht that the lighting did have an effect on them breeding and have had several people tell so too. I had already planned on making the rack that way anyways with the light and all, but just wanted to see what others thought too. I do like a few "displays" though. The mangrove water snakes will be very interesting to put in their because I would like to see if mine will do the lure with there tongue thing.. I cannot think of the name of it right now for some reason. It is ____ luring. Alligator snappers do it with their tongue.. ahhh!!
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Justin