Buying Start Up Supplies and Tank Size

I tried to search for this but couldn't find anything. But I was wondering a good place to buy the start up supplies for keeping a BP. I was looking at Petco and they seem a bit pricey and would like to try and save what I could. Also, the guy at Petco (who seems to be know about snakes actually) suggested their 40 gal breeder tank which they have on sale for $40. I know that is a bit big for a baby but was wondering if I made sure to fill it with lots of hides and cover if that would be ok or if I should go ahead and buy it but use a small plastic tub for now till they grow into it? I am trying to figure this all out before I get a BP and get all my supplies first. I am reading as much as I can and have ordered a couple of books as well. Thanks for all of you that help out us newbies to take care of this wonderful animal!

A 40 gallon isn't the best idea. If you are getting a hatchling a 10 - 20 gallon would be far more appropriate. Even for adults I wouldn't suggest a 40 gallon. They are impossible to maintain heat and humidity in.

If the room that you are going to keep the snake in stays around 75 then I would suggest a tub. If it gets colder than that a 10 or 20 gallon tank with an infrared heat lamp will be better.

If you go the tub route you will need a tub, a heating pad, a thermostat, 1or 2 hides, a water dish, and a probed thermometer.

Heating pad: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...ductId=2752652

Thermostat (3 options depending on budget. Stay away from the junk sold in pet stores):

Budget: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S

Mid-Range: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-etc-111000-pre-wired

Best: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Hides: http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

Water dish: http://www.reptilebasics.com/small-water-bowl

Probed thermometer: you can get this thermometer/hygrometer from Walmart for $12. It measures 2 temperatures and humidity. (The probe will go on the floor of the tub directly over the UTH, and the unit will sit on the cool side)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...nt/photo-3.jpg

If you go the tank route you will need a 10-20 gallon tank, a screen top, clips for the screen top, a heat lamp fixture, an infrared heat bulb, a probed thermometer, 2 hides, a water dish, and a humidity retaining substrate.

Heat lamp fixture: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...ductId=3569157

Infrared heat bulb: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...uctId=11147193