How do you know it's time for a bigger tank?

[Dolemite]

I have a cute little corn named Scooter. He's a little over a year old and about 3 feet long. I currently have him in a 20 gallon long tank and while he doesn't seem cramped at all, I'm just wondering if there's specific guidelines as to when you should get a corn a bigger tank. If I stretch him from end to end, he's at least as long as the tank is wide, but he's usually curled up in his hiding log or poster roll, or burrowing or climbing his tree- usuall snake stuff. Like I said, he doesn't seem cramped at all, I'm just curious.

I went into PetCo the other day and saw two different 40 gallon tanks- one tall, and one called a breeder tank, which is the same height as my current tank but MUCH wider. I figure I'd get him that tank eventually so he'd have more room to slither around but maybe he'd like the tall tank so he can go climbing? I don't know what to do….

Thanks in advance. For now, here's a pic that kinda shows what Scooter's current living conditions are- If more conprehensive pics that show the entire tank are needed for you to give me a better answer, let me know and I'll take some tonight.

 

[t3ch]

I'd say a ballpark estimate is the tank should be 2/3 as long as the snake. So if you had a 36 inch snake, you would need a 24 inch long viv. This may be wrong, it's just my opinion.

 

[Dolemite]

Well, if you're right, then I guess my tank's good for a while yet. Thanks.

 

[Nanci]

I'd stick with a longer, shallower tank, when you move up. I've noticed mine climbed a LOT when they were babies, but lost interest as adults. A 40 breeder is a nice, some would say extravagant viv for an adult corn. With a larger tank, you can offer him more hides, maybe some structures to climb on, maybe a hammock in one corner, and a nice big water dish that he can get into. He probably wouldn't care that much about more open space.

 

[Weebonilass]

I'd stick with a longer, shallower tank, when you move up. I've noticed mine climbed a LOT when they were babies, but lost interest as adults. A 40 breeder is a nice, some would say extravagant viv for an adult corn. With a larger tank, you can offer him more hides, maybe some structures to climb on, maybe a hammock in one corner, and a nice big water dish that he can get into. He probably wouldn't care that much about more open space.

I agree... my big guy is in a 55gal breeder, but only because it was originally bought for a bearded dragon that never got bought. He only moved into it the end of last year. Before that he was in a 29tall that I placed on it's side. Sometimes I think he could use a bigger one, but with plenty of things for him to crawl up and over and through, He seems to get enough exercise. He's my one guy who isn't interested in hiding anymore.

My Pewter is in a 29gal on it's size and it seems to work out okay, but it's dang heavy, more so than the 55gal breeder. Gailleann is in the other 29 tall and even though she's an 06, she still wants to climb, so she'll remain in a tall tank as long as she considers herself arboreal

 

[SquamishSerpents]

my female is in a 50 gallon, she's just over 2 feet long, and she's perfectly fine. but, her tank is a decked-out display tank, lots and lots of hides and vines, etc. i'd say your tank is good for awhile yet.