Super Easy DIY Water Feature (Paludarium) for Garter Snakes

Building a Paludarium for your pet Garter Snakes can be quite difficult, but there is an easy trick that will allow your snakes to live out their semi-aquatic nature.

We only need a couple of cheap materials to add this water feature. Ours fits well in a 4 x 2 x 2 Repti Zoo Enclosure. Now for the fun disclaimers! Disclaimers: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. We are not responsible for any harm, injury, or loss that may occur to your pets from following our paludarium advice or using recommended products. Consult a qualified expert before changes. Use at your own risk.

Now that that's out of the way, here’s what you’ll need:

• A Plastic Tub ~$20: This 32-quart option works well.

• A Water Filter ~$15: You want this type for about 20 gallons.

• A Small Submersible Aquarium Heater ~$22: This one would work well.

• Floating Platform ~$17: This one is a good size and easy. You could also pick something natural like driftwood.

• Natural River Rocks ~$40: You can get these on Amazon, but likely cheaper at other stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.

• Optional Plants: Some good ones are Java Moss and Anubias spp. (Stores with aquarium supplies may sell these)

How to get set up:

• Create space in your enclosure. If you have a bioactive dig out enough soil to make space for the plastic tub you are using.

• Prepare the tub by rinsing it with warm soapy water, make sure it is clean and dry. Place it in the prepared spot in your enclosure.

• The fun part is cleaning the river rocks. Rinse and get them cleaned so any water that runs off them is clear. A colander can be really helpful when rinsing to shake them up.

• Put some of the clean river rocks in the tub to line the bottom and around the outside edges. This will help keep dirt out when your snakes go in and out of the tub.

• Put in any plants you have gotten, some may require being glued or tied to rocks.

• Add your filter, be sure to rinse the carbon filter to make sure the water comes out clear. Follow any instructions included with the filter. It is helpful to also rinse the plastic housing to make sure all manufacturing chemicals are gone.

• Add your submersible aquarium heater (follow the instructions to set up). Recommended temperatures are 75-80°F.

• Add your floating platform of choice (again these should be rinsed and cleaned throughly before use).

Now you are all done. Watch how much your Garter Snakes will love this new water feature. Ours were immediately curious and dove right in. You may notice them swimming and being way more active.