Size of Tank

[Paradox]

I am getting a corn some time soon, and have decided to buy a large tank to start rather than buy a small one then move him. But I am wondering if it might be a bit too big? I haven't got it yet, so there is room for manouver.

Have looked at a few. There is a tank in the local pet shop that is about 66 gallons, but costs a rather large amount at £120. On the net however I have found a 90.4 gallon tank for only £102. (If you don't work in £ can't help you much lol). So I am obviously going to go for that one. But would it be too big for a baby? And if so, what can I do? I don't really want to get more than one viv to start, or replace a small one later on...

 

[Tula_Montage]

To be honest you really dont need 90 or so gallons... A 20 gallon viv would do an adult corn its full life..

But if you do decided to get the unnecessary 90G then you will need to pack it with hides galore, especially for a hatchling, Otherwise the snake may get stressed, thus leading to health problems further down the line.

Hope this helps

 

[CAS 28]

You could buy a sweaterbox and start your snake out in there.

 

[Paradox]

I personally think 20 gallons is way too small...Can't see an adult snake in that sort of tank...

An idea-would it be possible to stick some sort of divide in to start it off? Maybe restrict it to say half/quarter of the tank for a while? If so, what to use, and where to get it from? As for sweaterbox idea, it's an option

 

[kimbyra]

IMO, a 20 gallon is too small for an adult. I had an adult in a 55 gallon wide, and I think that it was too small for him to be comfortable. A 90 gallon certainly wouldn't be "unnecessary", a corn would LOVE it.
However, since 10 gallons are so cheap, it might be good to get one until he outgrows it, and then purchase a bigger one. A baby corn would be much more comfortable in a small tank. Just a thought.
Also, you might want to check out shipping costs for the online tank. Tanks are heavy, so it may be cheaper to purchase one from a store.

 

[kimbyra]

Also, from what I've seen, divider tend to not keep dividing; corns are good at climbing and burrowing, and squeezing through small areas. It depends on how you construct one I suppose.

 

[Wilder]

To be honest you really dont need 90 or so gallons... A 20 gallon viv would do an adult corn its full life..

That actually depends, as not all snakes will top out at the same size. Just ask Meg, whose massive amel who would be cramped in a 20 gallon tank!

With some exceptions, bigger is better for adults. If you have the space to give your pet snake some room to roam and climb in a large viv, go for it. While it's a baby, though, you will want to keep it in something smaller. A plastic shoe box works fine, as does a 10 gallon tank. If you start out with the shoe box you can always use that as a feeding container later when the snake has moved up to its permanent home.

 

[Tula_Montage]

That actually depends, as not all snakes will top out at the same size. Just ask Meg, whose massive amel who would be cramped in a 20 gallon tank!

With some exceptions, bigger is better for adults. If you have the space to give your pet snake some room to roam and climb in a large viv, go for it. While it's a baby, though, you will want to keep it in something smaller. A plastic shoe box works fine, as does a 10 gallon tank. If you start out with the shoe box you can always use that as a feeding container later when the snake has moved up to its permanent home.

Very true, It works for some, not for others...

 

[Cycal]

Remember, its not a standard 20g tank thats usualy recomended, its a 20g "long" tank (sometimes called a breeder tank). Its got about the same amount of surface space as a standard 40g.

 

[Tula_Montage]

Aye aye thats what i meant... I thought it went without saying, my mistake :shrugs:

 

[kimbyra]

I was assuming 20L as well. This is just my opinion of course, but I really think that a 20 gallon long is not very comfortable for any adult corn. Some care sheets recommend it as a minimum size, but I don't agree. This is a hotly debated topic, and I'm sure there are lots of previous threads about it if your interested in searching them.

 

[Tula_Montage]

One step ahead, i already have and the general consensus is that it is suitable, however the bare minimum for an average adult corn...

 

[Paradox]

I have a box here that I will consider using instead for a while, or I might buy a small 10 gallon viv. Thanks for all the advice

 

[Paradox]

Oh I forgot, don't worry about shipping costs, I checkd beforehand, it is really cheap

 

[janew]

Paradox, seeing as you are in the UK, I'd seriously consider getting a wooden vivarium rather than a glass tank for when your corn grows up. You can pick these up much cheaper than the tanks you're mentioning, and they are better for ventilation, as well as the fact that they aren't clear all the way round, makes the snake feel more secure.

If you're getting a hatchling, one of these geoflat tubs or these faunarium tanks will be absolutely ideal for the first couple of months, moving up to the large size as the snake grows, then to a 3ft wooden vivarium at about 18 months - 2 years old.

You will need a heat mat and mat thermostat to keep the temperature constant. If you need any help setting up, please don't hesitate to pm me and I'll help all I can.

 

[Paradox]

Thanks for the advice. Personally not too keen on the wooden vivs, there are a few reasons for this. But I will consider it

The tubs look good, so I will probably invest in one of those for him/her. As for all the heating etc, I have got all of that stuff sorted Thanks anyway.