looking for new cage

alright i have my new ball python and i have him in a 20 gal tank right now. i have some extra cash right now so i was wondering which tank i should buy for him. i know i am thinking ahead but i want to get set up for when he is ready to move into something bigger. he is 25in. right now. i am looking at the medium tank from precision cageing or the T11 from apcages. i am leaning towards the T11 with the bottom heating. if i do order that ons should i get a cut out for the heat lamp on the top. what other things should i ask them to do to the cage if i order one.

another thing also i was wondering is i have his hide on one side of the cage and the water dish on the other side. i am heating under the hide is this right or should i swithch the hide and the water dish.

The idea of the under tank heating is to make a temperature gradient so the snake can choose for himself what temp to slither to. So when he's cold, he goes to the warm side. When warm, go to cooler side. So you should have atleast one hide on each side, so he can hide and be good, temp-wise. Having a hide on one side might not be good for the snake, because say he's too warm, but BPs love to hide. He'll most likely hang out in the warm side, even if he's too hot and would rather chill in the cool side. I'd put a hide on each end, and a water dish in the center. Maybe that'd be better. :)

I agree w/ Cody. You MUST have at least one hide per side.

I know nothing about precision cages so can't help you there - other than go with belly heat. I myself am planning to move my guy to a boaphile sometime soon. :)

I have the T11 from AP and it is great.
Get the belly heat but you will need a good thermostat to control it. I use a Helix DBS1000 but they are costly about 100-130.00 depending where you buy them. But they are IMO the best. But any good T-stat would work. I got into Helix from talking with some breeders at shows and AP cages recommend them also.
With the T11 I would get and I did get both cut-outs for lights, one on each end. When you order just ask for them to ship the cut-outs of plastic from the light holes. If you don't need the lights just pop the cut-outs back in.
I got the sliding doors w/ the lock and I also had them drill 1/2" holes on each end about 6" from the floor to slip my probes for my T-stats thru. I also had them engrave my bp's name on the front of the cage.
The holes, cut-outs and the engraving was no charge and the customer service is second to none.
And as for the hides, I agree w/ everyone you have to have 2 hides, one on the cool end and one on the hot end. That is very important.
If you have any more questions about AP just send me a message thru here and I will help ya all I can.

hey thanks for the info guys. if i order the cage can i move him into it now or should i wait a little longer before i do. i know that a cage to big will stress the snake out. he is 25in right now.

You could move him into the bigger one if you really want, but you should probably load it up with a bunch of stuff like hides, and greenery, and climbing branches, stuff that takes up space so he doesn't feel lost in the huge cage. More security is best for BPs. :)

Yeah, as long as you have lots of hides (low and snug), etc he'll be okay. I started my 2 month old off in a 50 gallon breeder (36x18x18) from day one.