I just got a 20Gallon Long Tank!

[J@50n]

Hello Forum, I post on here way to much, anyways i have some major questions! I'm going to Petsmart on Monday and I just got a BIG tank, and I just got paid today so I would like to do this right the first time.

What are some of the major things I need for him? I have a decent sized rock hide for him. I have a food dish, bedding, rocks, and lots of sticks for him to crawl on.

I plan on getting a nice sized pool so he is able to swim in it (How big should one of these pools be for this aquarium size)?

Should I worry about a heating pad? A basking light?

What are some things I should get?

[RedSidedSPR]

I wouldnt do heat pads. Heat lamps are a yes.

At least 2 hides. One on hot side, ad one on cool side.

You have the main stuff covered

[ConcinusMan]

I do it like this. After years and years of trying just about every idea, this seems to work best and keep the snakes healthy and active. Others have tried this same concept and have had great results.

S5tY5tGRvDI

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/enclosures/8070-how-design-naturalistic-viv-garters.html

You could use any appropriate substrate. In this case I chose what I used just because it looks more natural. The snakes really couldn't care less how it looks. I am currently using shredded aspen in this tank, but the basic design is still the same.