The great fish tank debate - Page 3

Rogue628 · 11-19-12, 03:17 PM

I've used tanks in the past and I use tubs now. Back when I was using tanks, I didn't know about humidity issues. However, I did have boards across the couple of tanks I did use. Not necessarily to help with humidity but to keep the snakes in! lol

One of the biggest advantages I have with using tubs over tanks is they are much lighter in weight so they're easier for me to keep clean. Lugging around a 55 gallon tank to the bathroom to clean is annoying as hell. For me, it's also easier for me to keep heat and humidity up. I know it can be done with tanks, but I prefer tubs.

If I ever have a snake that is easily startled by me reaching in the top and it continues to be defensive by this method, I'll be more than happy to get a better accommodating vivarium. My current collection has no problems with me going in through the top. If I leave the top off for a few minutes, most come out on their own anyway, so I usually allow them to come out by themselves. It shows me that they don't mind the interaction between us. If they don't come out, I'll reach in and touch them. If they show signs of not wanting to be messed with, I leave them alone. Otherwise I pick them up. Unless I have to clean the burms tubs while they're in shed. Then it's a lot of huffing and puffing from them until I get them out. Then they're fine. But I NEVER just reach in and grab any of my animals without giving them a warning.

I keep my rose hair in a glass tank. It's working well with it, so if I get more, I'll probably keep them in tanks as well.

I think the whole tank vs tubs is more of a preference, depending upon the animal (I would never put a large snake in a glass tank) and the owner.

Terranaut · 11-19-12, 03:52 PM

So the reason for the debate? Cost. It all comes down to cost. If you have deep pockets why would you not have a retile wall of awesome stackable pvc or abs enclosures with humidity and temp controls uv light hell toss in a disco ball. Whatever works best for you.
But for the rest of us sometimes a $25 tank wins over $200 pvc enclosure. I don't like top entry tanks period. This is why I changed mine. Like I said I am leaving work and will post a great tank modification that is cheap and easy and will have the haters loving their tanks again. You can do a lot to a tank for the money saved over pvc.
Another thing is stackability. Can stack a top entry tank so that is also another bonus.

TragicTaste · 11-19-12, 04:07 PM

I agree that tanks can work out just fine, with the right corrections for the specific reptiles needs. I want to see pictures of tank modifications added to this thread, I think that would help some people make decisions, on whether they are able to make said modifications themselves.

Gungirl · 11-19-12, 04:09 PM

For me it is a personal thing.. I don't think I could ever enjoy having tanks. I build all my own wooden vivs to look like furniture. However if I couldn't build I would save up and fork out the money for someone to make me them. I will never go PVC or fish tank. I do see how all can work if you put the effort into them, I just don't want to bother with it.

CK SandBoas · 11-19-12, 04:20 PM

Simply put, yes, i use tanks, yes, i have made modifications to the original lids ( instead of using those clips, made the lid into a hinged lid that locks with a key, plexi glass or lexan covering the screens to keep heat and humidity in).

That is all i have to say in regards to the great debate.....

red ink · 11-19-12, 04:31 PM

I've never understood this debate.. you tailor your enclosure to the needs of the specimen.

If the specimen needs high humidity then wood is out of the question really....
If the enclosure is letting out to much heat, but still require high humidity then address that problem specifically.

Gungirl · 11-19-12, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red ink

I've never understood this debate.. you tailor your enclosure to the needs of the specimen.

If the specimen needs high humidity then wood is out of the question really....
If the enclosure is letting out to much heat, but still require high humidity then address that problem specifically.

I keep my GTP in a wooden viv.. it is all about knowing how to properly seal it. The viv I made can hold 1" of standing water across the entire bottom and never have an issue.

Lankyrob · 11-19-12, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I keep my GTP in a wooden viv.. it is all about knowing how to properly seal it. The viv I made can hold 1" of standing water across the entire bottom and never have an issue.

Ditto, all my snakes are in melamine vivs, well sealed and no issues at all

jarich · 11-19-12, 05:21 PM

So it seems like we have a general concensus, in that this seems to be just a case of preference and has no health benefits one way or the other. Whether you chose a glass, wood or plastic cage, they are just a box you start with and set up to that animals requirements.

SO instead of saying glass tanks suck and slagging people off for having them, let's focus on the screen lid that is often a problem (ya know, the only part of it that isn't glass!)

Terranaut · 11-19-12, 05:56 PM

Ok here we go. I guess this is a 110 gallon. 5x2x20". Got it free because it is cracked.
So I built a hinged door out of wood trim I had laying around and used 2 pieces of plexi on it. I first pulled off the plastic ring on the top the built a "hat" for the tank from the wood trim. I used inustrial adhesive to glue it to the glass. Yes its on there. You can lift the tank by the wood and its gotta be 150lbs. Then I just bolted the hinged door to the hat. Looks ok but works great.
Bottom right is the fish tank. The bottom big one on the left is home made melmine. The rest are pvc or glass

Door closed

The hat and adhesive. Looks like crap but only the snakes can see it.

Door open

Currently I use a uth and run the temp prob for the thermostat through the vent holes in the front door. I house a 6.5' and 7.5' boa pair in there.
Humidity takes a few days to fall even with aspen and its on insulation so the floor temps are very consitant even with changes in room temp.
Ask any questions or pics you want. This was so easy and so cheap.

red ink · 11-19-12, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

I keep my GTP in a wooden viv.. it is all about knowing how to properly seal it. The viv I made can hold 1" of standing water across the entire bottom and never have an issue.

That's impressive mate.. how long have you had the viv and what did you seal it with?

Sorraia · 11-19-12, 06:07 PM

I've used and currently use a glass tank for snakes. Many years ago I had a ball python, and he lived in a glass tank. The top was half covered with glass, and half with screen. I never had any problems with humidity. He grew well and thrived, never had any shedding or feeding issues. Worked great for me!

Now I have two rosy boas. I use a tank for them. I already have the tanks, no need for me to spend lots of money buying a new enclosure. I personally prefer display-type enclosures I can set up with branches, rocks, hides, etc to make it appear more natural and provide more moving/climbing room for the snakes. This species doesn't need a lot of humidity, so the screen top on the aquarium works great - it stays at the ambient room humidity of about 30%. Heating hasn't been a problem either. So far the snakes are doing great. So far the only escape was when I first got these snakes and the lid wasn't fitted properly. I got a new lid and haven't had a problem since.

I personally don't think there's a right or a wrong, as long as the keeper does what is required to properly house the animals. If the tank needs modification to properly house the snake, so be it. If the tank absolutely won't provide the right conditions, then it is time to change enclosures to something that does. Besides the animal's needs, there is a difference in climates too. I live in a naturally warm and dry area (actually I live in the rosy boa's native range!), so providing for this species isn't a problem for me. If I plan to obtain a more tropical species, then I would have different considerations to make and may need to try a different type of enclosure.

As far as cleaning tanks, they can certainly be heavy, but for me personally this isn't an issue. I do what it takes to clean it, and if that means lugging a heavy tank outside to clean out, so be it. I've done the same for other pets, but that's my personal choice. For someone who doesn't want to or is unable to do this, they need to decide on an alternative. Again comes down to personal preference.

Gungirl · 11-19-12, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red ink

That's impressive mate.. how long have you had the viv and what did you seal it with?

I used a bar top 2 part epoxy. I have this same sealant on the floors of all my vivs. It acts as a 100% water/air tight seal. It looks and feels like Glass once dried.

How to - Epoxy resin bar top crystal clear glaze coat - YouTube

I have had one viv for 2 years.. it houses my Royals. The others are under a year old. I also used this product for a friends turtle pen bottom. It is 9 yrs old and still looks new when he digs out the dirt.

If you look at the bottom of the viv in this picture v you can see the glaze coat on the bottom. Once it is dry on the bottom I flip the viv to do up the sides a ways. It takes time and isn't real cheap but I think it is worth it.

shaunyboy · 11-19-12, 08:43 PM

i've NEVER used them Wayne,that said.....

i think it all depends on the species...

i see your Garters,etc,thriving in fish tanks...

on the other hand,i would'nt put a hatchling or adult carpet in one

cheers shaun

**Aaron_S** · 11-20-12, 04:27 PM

I will have to respond a bit more and length my explanation as I'm headed out the door but the reason I HIGHLY dislike tanks, because I don't like having to buy something then something else and modifying it work.

I buy a pvc enclosure or tub and boom it's ready. I know tubs need air holes but that's 3 minutes of my time.