What Snakes Can Live In A 20 Gallon Tank? [Top 3!]

A 20 Gallon Tank Opens Up More Options

A 20 gallon tank is a popular enclosure size for snake keepers, and it is big enough to comfortably house several popular species for their entire lives. Compared to a 10 gallon tank, a 20 gallon gives you a lot more room to work with when it comes to creating a proper temperature gradient, adding hiding spots, and giving your snake space to move around.

Whether you go with a standard 20 gallon (30 inches long by 12 inches wide) or a 20 gallon long (30 inches by 12.5 inches by 12 inches tall), there are some excellent snake species that will thrive in this size enclosure. Here are the top picks.

1. Corn Snake

Corn snakes are one of the most recommended pet snakes for beginners, and a 20 gallon tank works well for juveniles and smaller adults. These snakes typically grow to 3 to 5 feet, so while the largest adults may eventually appreciate a bigger enclosure, many corn snakes do just fine in a 20 gallon long for their entire lives.

What makes corn snakes so popular is the total package they offer. They are calm during handling, come in dozens of gorgeous color morphs, eat frozen thawed mice without fuss, and are hardy enough to tolerate minor husbandry mistakes. They are active and curious, so you will often see them exploring their enclosure in the evening hours.

For a corn snake in a 20 gallon tank, provide a warm side of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a cool side around 75 degrees. Two hiding spots, a water dish, and some climbing opportunities like branches or cork bark will keep your corn snake happy and healthy.

2. Kenyan Sand Boa

Kenyan sand boas are perfectly sized for a 20 gallon tank. Males rarely exceed 18 inches, and females top out at about 2 feet. Their small size combined with their burrowing lifestyle means a 20 gallon tank is actually quite spacious for them.

These chunky little boas spend most of their time buried in their substrate with just their eyes poking above the surface, waiting to ambush prey. This makes them fascinating to observe even though they are not the most active species. They eat small mice, tolerate handling well, and are known for being docile and easy to care for.

Use a deep layer of aspen bedding or sand and soil mixture for them to burrow through. Keep the warm side around 90 to 95 degrees and the cool side around 80 degrees. A 20 gallon tank gives you plenty of room to establish a good temperature gradient for this species.

3. Rosy Boa

Rosy boas are gentle, slow moving snakes that typically reach 2 to 3 feet in length. A 20 gallon tank is an ideal permanent home for this species. Their calm temperament and manageable size make them a favorite among keepers who want a handleable snake that does not require a massive enclosure.

Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, rosy boas prefer drier conditions than many other snake species. They do well with low humidity and temperatures in the mid 80s on the warm side. They come in beautiful color variations with three distinctive stripes running down their body, and they eat small mice willingly.

Rosy boas are also known for their longevity. With proper care, they can live 25 to 30 years or more, so adopting one is a long term commitment. Their easygoing nature and simple care requirements make that commitment an enjoyable one for most keepers. For more snake options, check out our guide to popular pet snake breeds.

Setting Up a 20 Gallon Snake Tank

No matter which species you choose, the basics of setting up a 20 gallon snake tank are similar. You need a secure lid, because snakes are notorious escape artists. A screen lid with clips or a locking mechanism is essential. Even if your snake seems too big to fit through a small gap, you would be surprised at what they can squeeze through.

Create a temperature gradient with the warm side on one end and the cool side on the other. An under tank heater controlled by a thermostat is the most reliable way to provide belly heat, which is important for digestion. Place a hiding spot on both the warm and cool sides so your snake can thermoregulate while still feeling secure.

A water dish large enough for your snake to soak in is important, especially during shedding. Change the water regularly and clean the dish weekly. For substrate, the best choice depends on your species, but aspen bedding, coconut fiber, and paper towels are all popular options that work well in a 20 gallon setup.

With the right species and a well set up enclosure, a 20 gallon tank can provide everything your snake needs to live a healthy, comfortable life. Take the time to research your chosen species thoroughly, and you will enjoy years of rewarding snake keeping.