New to bps, is my tank too cramped?

[BallOut]

This will be my first time owning a snake, I'm really excited but I want to do it the right way and have everything setup, proper temps/humidity before I even get the bp. I have a 20 L zilla critter cage with a lock, 10-20 gallon zoomed uth, aspen substrate, hides, a water bowl, and some plants etc.. I have a feeling my tank might be too crowded though. Can I get some input? (Not fully setup just for picture purpose) http://share.pho.to/7po4Q

[Shamri]

What size snake are you getting? 20 gallons is just fine for a younger ball python. I don't think you really have to worry about the enclosure being too crowded, except when it comes time to clean

[Wizard]

The access to appropriate sized hides are more important.

[BallOut]

I'm getting a baby, going for a male. How long do you think he would fit in this enclosure? Also Wizard would you say those 2 hides are appropriate sized? (Idk if you could tell they are the 2 skull pile rock looking things)

[Shamri]

He'll be good for a while. A basic rule of thumb is that they can get as long as the long side + short side of their enclosure. So, if your tank is 20 X 10, he'll be good to 30 inches, and I think some would argue longer.

[yl4870]

For most of his entire life A 20 gallon should be big enough for an adult male.

[Wizard]

An appropriate hide should be small enough for the snake to touch all sides while curled up. Hides should be tight, dark and secure. One on the warm side and another on the cool side.

[The Golem]

An appropriate hide should be small enough for the snake to touch all sides while curled up. Hides should be tight, dark and secure. One on the warm side and another on the cool side.

I had one of those skull-covered hides on the cool side of the tank and my young snake never went in so I replaced with a small hide. If it's all you have Ballout, try pressing it down into the substrate to make the opening and interior space of the hide smaller.

Also I suggest wrapping the back and sides of the tank with 'background scene' or even dark paper to give the snake a more secure-feeling enclosure.

[BallOut]

Yea I have a background and planned on using construction paper for the sides. I tried to get the 2 smallest of those skull hides I could find at Petsmart. Maybe I should return them and look for something else? That's the good part about not having the snake yet is I can return whatever I need to and try to make it perfect for his arrival.