How to convert a aquarium into a reptile tank?

Question

i have 20 gallon aquarium that i want to turn into a reptile tank to house a baby ball python dose any one know how to do that?

Answer 1

for your lid question, i know petsmart and possibly petco sell lids. the sizes go by the gallons. they are screened and completely reptile proof. or you can build one with wood and chicken wire. either way works.

Answer 2

Jess has the right idea with the bleach! I have a 55 gal tank that was just to much to keep up with it has now been home to 5 hermit crabs for the last 5 yrs. You need to get it cleaned of all the fish bacteria first the lid you need mesh in a frame with a rock on it don't waste money on a ltching lid a heavy rock to weight it down will keep it on just in case and you can get that part free..

Answer 3

you can make a lid out of some wood and screening or you can purchase a lid at any pet store.

good luck!

Answer 4

Simple, you must make sure you still have the mesh lid and you will need to clamp it on tight or you will regret it. you must have the proper bedding and some elivation (but no more than 6 inches from the bottom0 you need a heating lamp and a cool area a little dish of water easy to find at petsmart. just do some research on what is to make a completely nessasary tank for a snake.

Answer 5

you should take the water out then you should take a stick and put it in there then put alamp on a table over one side of the tank then you try to make a littel lake so it can cool down and what ever you need put in the tank

Answer 6

Oh, thats very easy. Take all the water out, of course. Wash and rinse it with a hand soap (its gentle). If you're getting a Ball Python, I'm not sure too much about them, but lay down the appropriate substrate. A basking area for them to get warm, and a cooler side to cool down. (I hope I'm right about that) But really, you just need to take the water out, and put in everything necessary for your snake.

Answer 7

dump the water, thoroughly wash the tank with bleach and water, scrape off any left over calcium build up from the aquarium water, and rinse THOROUGHLY. make sure it doesn't smell like bleach anymore.

this is very important to clean with bleach as fish/aquarium anything have different bacterias that can live in harsh climates, bleach kills everything.

with that said, make sure you rinse is very well.

if you are going to keep a baby python, i'd suggest paper towel as your substrate for now, it's cheap and easy to change each week. it also allows for easy feeding so you don't have to worry about them missing their food and getting a mouthful of substrate which could cause choking or impaction.

here is a good site for a quick care sheet;

http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/pythons/a...

good luck with your new snake!

OH i almost forgot, you will need a top of some kind. most breeders use a specific wood, i can't think of the name, as it helps with humidity, but any screen type top will work.

or even plexi glass with the appropriate amount of air holes drilled in.

Answer 8

To convert first make sure the tank is good and clean of any chemicals used from previous use. Snakes need not only a good base but a hot and cold side.  Your base needs to be a mixture to allow them not only a base but a shedding tool. Your cool side should house drinking water ( check daily and always maintain clean drinking water).Always keep this container smaller the the animal to as it can not lay in. Your hot side should have not only a good heat source but a bowl big enough for the snake to bath in ( also check daily). Helps them shed and they will lounge in it will they get over heated.  Hide a logs and tree branches are great accesories to provide privacy and excercise. When purchasing items  for the tank do your homework to avoid harming your new addition. A good reference site is www.peteducation.com