Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok, i got a few responses but i just want to make sure....a 55 gallon [48x12] will be enough for a full grown female BP right? And since i dont want to use newspapers or shaving or nething like that,i want a realistic look, like sand n gravel n dirt mixed together shoulkd be fine right? WHat i would prefer to use is this ground up walnut shell mixture that i use for my bearded dragon..would that be ok too?

A 55 gal should be fine as long as you provide for things like temp, hides, etc.

I would not use sand or dirt. Even though they are exposed to this, it increases the chances of "issues" and makes cleanup for you, more difficult. Ground walnut shells? Hmmm. I'm not sure. I don't think it would maintain humidity very well. This seems to be a common problem for many at this forum. And you are already battling humidity using the 55 gal tank.
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Jay A. Martin
Jay Martin Reptiles

The tank size is fine for an adult.

As far as substrate, I would avoid dirt and sand. If you are shooting for the natural look try cypress mulch. It looks good and will help maintain the proper humidity in an aquarium.
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www.NEWReptiles.com

I second cypress mulch,even ReptiBark would be better than the other 3 substrates you mentioned.As for ground walnut shell,I'd stay far away from it....especially for a BP!It can cause impactions if ingested,it's abrassive,and it's way too dry and dusty. I don't think you really need anything as big as a 55 gallon,I'd go with a 30.In my humble experience,too much space can be a bad thing.Your best bet would be one of the plastic cages,these can still look nice when set up in a naturalist way.Plus,they will hold humidity and heat much better!
Just my 2 cents!
CHAINSAW

I actually use the desert blend [ground walnut shells] for my bearded dragon and its not dusty or anything at all. plus its extremly easy cleanup because it clumps to there..well..yeah,lol, w/e comes out. plus i noe a lot of people that use it and they never had any problems..one friend has been usin it for 6 yeras on a BP and the snake is BEAUTIFUl..full grown, eating well and everything. Plus i heard the bark stuff smells like hell if they use the bathroom on it. cypress mulch..ehhh...too unreal...lol

Sounds to me like you are dead set on using it - so why bother asking? I also have a freind who used it - he thought he'd try something diffrent - probably the same stuff you're talking about, comes from petco in there reptile department - stuff was aweful snake got belly rot - I wouldn't use it - cypress mulch is the way to go for the natural look - I'm not sure why you think it looks unreal - it looks like dirt and bark?

Remember - It's more important for the snake to be comfortable than for his cage to be "aesthetically pleasing."

Oh well - to each his own - good luck!
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Tosha

"Stupid is forever, ignorance can be fixed." Don Wood

"Of course, that's only my opinion...and I believe I am God." =) Chris Bianco

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