How to Make a Snake Tank

Commercially available reptile tanks can be expensive and difficult to clean. Making a snake cage at home is a much more cost efficient method to create the perfect habitat for your new reptile, and takes very little time and effort to set up. Even better, homemade snake tanks are easy to clean, stack and transport, making them ideal for reptile enthusiasts with multiple specimens.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic storage tub
  • Soldering iron
  • Heating pad
  • Heatproof tape
  • Bottle caps (optional)
  • Cage accessories
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the storage container thoroughly with warm water and a very small amount of dish soap--no more than a drop or two. Rinse the container well, and allow it to air dry at least overnight in a well ventilated location. New plastics can sometimes leach chemicals for a short amount of time, and the cleaning and drying process is important to help prevent your snake from exposure.

    • 2

      Punch ventilation holes in two rows around the container, with about 3 inches between holes. This is easily accomplished with a soldering iron or a screwdriver heated over a flame. Punch holes from the inside out to reduce the likelihood that your snake will get scratched.

    • 3

      Tape a reptile heating pad to the bottom of the storage tub with heat proof tape, making sure to only cover approximately a third of the floor.

    • 4

      Attach permanent feet to the snake cage if you like. These can be made from simple plastic bottle caps glued to the bottom corners of the cage, or you can place temporary footers by placing bricks or boards beneath the cage. This allows the cage to get high enough off of the resting surface to prevent heater burns, but also allows the cage to remain stackable for transport.

    • 5

      Add accessories to the cage such as bedding, water bowls, a thermometer and hydrometer. You can also place branches and hiding places for your snake and should provide at least one hide on the warm side of the cage and one on the cool.

    • 6

      Let the snake settle for several days once it has moved in before disturbing it.