Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i house my 6-7 foot jungle carpet python in an 80 gallon glass aquarium. i think it's plenty big enough but was wondering if anyone tried to 'add on' to an exhisting tank. when i take the screen top off he crawls up and out so he would like more height. would it be possible to build something to set on top of this tank. if so how? thanks.

I've done this a few times. It really works well.

I just build a box with no floor. I just take the measurement of the upper rim of the tank and add 1/4" to both the length and width.

So if the tank is 48"x20", for example, then I build the box so the base has an opening of 48.25" x 20.25".

Then I just attach a cleat on the inside of this box, usually about 2" or 3" up. This whole thing just sets right over the top of the aquarium.

I have only used 3/4" plywood for the box and strips of plywood for the cleat. The weight comes in handy for keeping it stable and secure. But I do believe there are fancier ways to do it, I just have not tried it.

I always cut the door openings out of one of the solid panels of plywood instead of making a separate face frame. You could build whatever door style suits you best.

thanks for reply. do you have a photo of one you have built? also how can it be secure just setting on top of the tank rim? won't the snake get out somehow?
That would be good if i could do something like that since i paid for the 80 gallon tank already. i would hate to get rid of it.

I have not built one of these in years and do not have a picture, sorry.

The whole thing is secure because of the weight of the plywood box sitting on top of the tank.