6 Snakes that (Comfortably) Fit in a 10 Gallon Tank

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Fitting a snake in a tank doesn’t mean that a snake that is the length of the tank is capable of living in your setup. We’re going to analyze 6 snakes that not only fit in a 10-gallon tank but can have a good life in a 10-gallon tank.

Most snake specialists will recommend that a 10-gallon setup should not be used for adults. It is often used for juveniles or to keep prey items alive but picking a serpent for your setup needs to be a calculated move. All snake enclosures must have a lid that’s secured on them. Freshwater needs to be provided daily as drinking water and for most snakes to soak in when shedding.

Smaller enclosures require more frequent and thorough cleanings, but the size makes them appealing as they won’t take over your whole space. So, what are 6 snakes that fit into a 10-gallon tank?

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6 Snakes that Fit in a 10 Gallon Tank

These are the 6 snakes that can safely live in a 10-gallon tank:

1. Rosy Boas
2. Male Kenyan Sand Boas
3. Worm Snakes
4. African House Snakes
5. Rubber Boas
6. Green Snakes

1. Rosy Boas

The general rule of thumb is that the tank needs to be twice as long as the snake kept in it, so a snake that averages a few feet in length isn’t usually recommended. Some think rosy boas are too large for a ten-gallon tank, but they’re almost always coiled up.

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Rosy boas like to live in temperatures no higher than 85 and no lower than 80. They need a place to hide, and pet stores carry all kinds of options for your tank.

Securing the lid tightly is a must if you’re going to keep these snakes. They’ll figure a way out of any hole or crevice you give them. Paper towels are an excellent substrate.

2. Male Kenyan Sand Boas

Male Kenyan sand boas are much smaller than their female counterparts, so while they’re suitable for a 10-gallon tank, the females need at least 20 gallons. 

Burrowing needs to be considered when setting up a Kenyan sand boa’s home. They spend most of their time hiding. So if you’re looking for a snake you see constantly, this might not be the best choice.

Don’t put heavy things in the tank that could settle when dug under because they can crush your pet. Use newspaper, sand, or coconut mulch while steering clear of gravel.

Kenyan sand boas need two kinds of heat in their vivarium. One side will need to be 80 degrees during the day and about 75 degrees at night, though it’s ok if this fluctuates a degree or two in either direction. The hottest part of the tank needs to be about 95 degrees.

Providing this kind of warmth is done through a heating pad on at least one side of the tank. They also need an incandescent light that will simulate the sun during the day by keeping the enclosure bright and warm and then dark and cooler.

These snakes are a popular choice for first-time snake owners.

3. Worm Snakes

Worm snakes are not the ideal pet for beginners because they have a lot of special needs. Even though these snakes look like earthworms, they make a regular habit of eating earthworms.

They’re perfect for a smaller enclosure because they only grow up to a foot long. Like most of the snakes on this list, they’ll need the appropriate substrate for proper burrowing. Since they are so little, it is possible to grow plants in the enclosure.

Perches for basking are recommended as well as well-placed hiding spots. Don’t plan on handling this snake as it won’t do well with it. A terrible smell will be released when this shy snake is disturbed.

4. African House Snakes

African house snakes are also burrowers, so they need the appropriate substrate: use newspaper and paper towels. Beech or aspen chips will work as well.

There should be some tree-like branches in your tank since African house snakes like to climb. The hot side of their tank should hover around 90 degrees, while the cool side can fluctuate between 70 and 80 degrees.

You will need to monitor the humidity in the tank. It should always be between 30% and 50%. Keeping a water dish in the tank is suitable for the snake and the humidity level. It’s also a good idea to spray a little water over the tank if the humidity is dropping too low.

5. Rubber Boas

They can be hard to find, but rubber boas will work well in a 10-gallon tank. Friendliness is their best trait as they can look a little dull. They take well to being handled and are considered quite docile.

Most states allow people to capture these snakes in the wild, which is how most in the pet trade are found. They aren’t bred in captivity much, but it’s still possible to find some breeders out there.

It’s likely their lack of visual finesse that makes them unpopular despite their stellar personalities. They like to hang out in small burrows, and if your snake is scurrying around during the day, you need to provide it with more hiding spots.

These snakes are escape artists, so the tank needs to be extra secure.

6. Green Snakes

The rough and smooth green snake can use a 10-gallon tank if you’re able to give it some vertical climbing spaces that are still enclosed. Otherwise, skip this one as a pet for now.

This snake requires a little knowledge of snake handling, and it isn’t recommended for beginners. Quiet spaces are its preferred habitat since it is shy. Its striking appearance makes it a popular pet choice, nonetheless.

Green snakes are insectivores which means almost all their diet is insects. They eat spiders, crickets, moths, caterpillars, spiders, and worms in the wild. Their meal should be no wider than the thickest parts of their body.

Since these arboreal snakes drink water that drops off of leaves in nature, their enclosure will need to be misted every day so they can drink from leaves. They’ll rarely drink from standing water sources. Providing moss as a substrate is a good idea for moisture retention.