New to Snakes

[ConcinusMan]

I would suggest an undertank heater too, on one end, since you're using a tall tank.(better to have a low profile tank). Just be sure to heed the directions. I would also suggest a full spectrum florescent bulb of some kind (low UV). Providing a temperature gradient can be tricky in a tall tank. If you're using a basking light, it needs to be very low watt and highly focused. Watch it though! don't want to overheat the tank, and an undertank heater on one end give's them a choice so it's safer. A locking, secure screen top is a must. Don't let them fool you into thinking they can't get out. All lighting should be placed on top, or outside of the screen.

[Gene0514]

yeah i got that

i'm gonna have one of those low wattage compact fluorescent bulbs on it and i'll have a basking light on for part of the day as well, or as needed

i might get an under tank heater eventually

the tank isn't that tall, its just 4 inches taller than a 20 gallon long
its 24" long instead of 30" like a long tank

[ConcinusMan]

Sure. One of the great things about garters is that they are very tolerant and hardy. Just be careful that they can retreat out of that light and have the air on the "shady" or cool end down to around 70 or cooler and I'm sure yours will thrive.

[Gene0514]

thanks!

i can't wait to get it

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I use a lot of glass tanks with metal screen tops, the kind that sit on top, and as long as you use the clips, and MAKE SURE they are clipped, you are good to go! If you mistakenly forget to clip it back on both sides your snake will not let you forget it!!

I Have had snakes escape out of the tanks with sliding locking lids. Because sometimes when you slide it back, you think it's back all the way and it feels like its stopped, but theres about .25 of an inch of space that requires more force to slip it into place. Unfortunately, and for reasons I am not sure, while the makers of these cages did put a lip that covers that last little bit, they put a few holes in that lip and so if you think the cage is shut but it's not *quite* there, they can escape!!!

I also fully encourage the use of at LEAST overhead light, if not, making that your heat source as well. There is a remarkable difference in the behavior of garters who are given a light to sit under, even if it's not giving off heat. I do not ever recommend the under-tank-heaters to anyone with just one or two snakes, because most people with just a snake or two are not going to fork out the cash to get a thermostat (they tend to be expensive) that is REQUIRED to properly maintain a stable (and not burning hot) heat source. The only UTH's I have employed are the ones on a shelf beside my rack sytem, I have them plugged into the empty outlets on my thermostat that runs the rack. Using a screen top with a basking light is very safe, as long as you keep the light on the outside of the cage, and that the screen is made of a metal mesh so it won't melt.

[Gene0514]

thanks
i'll definitely make sure that i'll keep the top locked