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Tank Plan For A Banded Watersnake |
| This is what our member has to say: Ok so some of you have seen my other thread http://www.herpcenter.com/showthread.php?t=9317
Now I have a plan to have a 30+ gallon tank set up
If ... |
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06-02-2006, 06:57 PM
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Tank Plan For A Banded Watersnake
Ok so some of you have seen my other thread Banded Water Snake
Now I have a plan to have a 30+ gallon tank set up
If I were to get a glass cutting drill bit and drill a small hole near th ebottom of the tank would the glass crack? Also if I did this what could some of you recommend as a plug for it. I want to put the hole as a drain as banded watersnakes are messy, this way making it easy for me to swap the water.
Also any recommendations for under water decorations would be more than welcome
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06-03-2006, 09:47 AM
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I'm guessing there's always a chance it could crack
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06-03-2006, 11:42 AM
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Temperate glass cannot be drilled so make sure the tank you get does not have that type of glass bottom. I'm not sure but most regular herp tanks do not, but all fish tanks do. (I guess.)
I would include stuff for them to hide in underwater as I've found many Nerodia hiding under water, mainly among branches and grass.
As for drilling, a small hole should be ok if done with a glass/tile bit. And depending on what size hole you will have boat plugs would work. Silicone would do if you had an extremely small hole, just take a punch and pop the silicone out everytime you need to change the water, though it may get expensive after awhile.
You may even be able to use stock tank plugs, the rubber ones or the rubber corks.
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06-03-2006, 12:30 PM
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As Zane said, as long as the bottom isn't tempered than it should be ok, depending on your drilling abilities, but it is a lot easier than most would think. A dremel works the best, IMO, unless you are ready to invest in some 40-50$ glass drill bits, which are actually harder to use unless you have a steady hand or drill press. However, the bits will give you the cleanest hole, while the dremel depends on how well you cut it.
You also don't have to drill the bottom of the tank, and usually only the bottom is tempered (for durability when you drop some rocks onto it) while the sides are not. Also, I am NOT a fan of bottom bulkheads/drilled tanks, I have one and it has been nothing but headaches, unless you have a stand modded for a bottom drilled tank, I would drill the back. You can either drill the back at the maximum water line, so when you add more water it will overflow out of the hole, or you can drill it as low as possible and add a ball valve. Either way use a bulkhead, and one that fits, and don't forget the silicone/o-rings, there is nothing worst than having some rigged up pvc on a tank start leaking (ie my tank with a bottom bulkhead).
I would definately include lots of driftwood, plants would make a nice addition as long as they don't get trampled.
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06-03-2006, 08:32 PM
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I wasnt talking about on the underside of the tank, just near the bottom on one of the sides..
Chronic: when you say a bulkhead what do you mean? And I wasnt thinking of putting any pvc, or valves on it I was just going to put a plug in it such as a cork. I do own a dremel, but hadnt considered using it as the rpms are so fast that once I go through my surfaces (only used it as a drill on aluminum) it tends to go crazy on me when I dont expect it (if you know what I am talking about) and I would be worried about cracking the glass then and the Glass/ tile bits I was looking at were only 10 bucks
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06-04-2006, 02:05 AM
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Well not drilling the bottom is the way to go. Bulkheads are like drains that will connect the inside of the tank to the outside. A variable speed dremel works better but you can do it with the other one, it just takes a steady hand, some patience, and lots and lots of lubricant. The tile bit won't drill the hole, you'll have to etch it our carefully. I don't suggest just pluging it up, worst possible scenario is the snake pushes his way out. Bulkheads can be purchased or put together, however I've only ever had luck with purchasing. Plus when you purchase they tell you the exact hole size you will need. I really suggest doing it all out the first time, it will pay off in the long run.
Here's some links:
D.I.Y. bulkhead
Bulkheads
drilling glass
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