New Snake Owner

Hi Everyone,

I am a soon to be new corn snake owner. I tried to look up some answers to questions I had, but there are some that I need some extra help with.
I plan on getting a baby corn snake. I have a 20 gallon long tank with an 8 watt under tank heat pad, a couple of hides, and aspen bedding. The tank is next to a window, but the room does not get so bright during the day.
Do I need an alternate light source that does not provide much heat, or just rely on the natural light that comes in the room? It should also be noted that at night, the room is pitch black.
Second, I have 2 locks on the tank (1 on each of the narrow sides), but I saw that with enough force, the corners could be pushed up. I decided to get some velcro to keep the tank locked. Has anyone had experience with velcro? Has a snake escaped with velcro?

Thanks for all your help

You don't need an alternate light source, it'll be fine with just natural light. The room being pitch black at night is good as they need a day/night cycle.

I'm not sure about using Velcro so I'll let someone else answer that.
However, if you're using a 20gallon tank make sure to clutter it up a lot, loads of hides, fake plants and things like to make sure your snake feels secure.

Good luck for when you get your snake!


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Thanks so much!

Welcome !

Yes ^
No direct sunlight by the window. It can overheat the tank.

Look up "Dollysmom" posts .She has one where she made Velcro straps to stop escapes !

I'm sure she will also respond here

You can see how I've used Velcro to secure my tank lid in this thread:
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/sho...60&postcount=7

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]
Do you think this is okay, with the velcro on each corner? I've tried lifting the lid with the velcro attached and I can't open it at all.

you really need about 4 or 5 more of the fake hanging vines and maybe another hide. There is too much "Wide Open" space in the tank. Corn snakes like to stay hidden, even when they're not. The more hiding space you can provide the better your snake will feel.

The Velcro looks like it should hold pretty well, if just be careful with the bits in between the Velcro as your snake may be able to push it up, so I'd give that a check.

I second what Karl says, the more cover the better. Also, is there a hide on both ends? Loads of fake vines, some hides, things like that.


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I've attached a couple of pictures of my tank just so you can see what we mean by clutter


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Very nice setup! I see what you mean. I'll get some more hides. I guess I was thinking that the snake would just burrow if he wants to hide in a different spot, but I guess more hides and vines can't hurt.
Thanks