Tank for a Large Adult Ball Python

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking on the forum for awhile, (which has been an amazing resource by the way!), and have been researching for a long time before getting a ball python. I'm finally able to move into an apartment that allows reptiles and I hope to have my new reptile child by the beginning of July. The other day I went to one of my favorite stores and saw a large adult male ball python, and fell in love with him instantly! I was thinking of getting a Zilla 40 gallon critter cage, but that seemed to be a bit small for him. He has to be at least over 4' long and he is very girthy and they said he eating small rats now (if that is any indicator of size, I would have posted a picture but I had forgotten to take some). I have not purchased the snake yet, and I have wanted to get all of my supplies in order and have the tank set up and running first before I even think of purchasing. Do you think a 40 gallon would be acceptable, or are T8 animal plastics just as big? I would just want him to be as comfortable as possible and I don't want to have to keep upgrading to a bigger tank.

Thanks again for your help everyone!

If the 40 gallon is a "breeder" style (meaning it is deeper rather than taller to get the extra size) then you should be fine...

T8s look nice too though, so either one would probably work


:welcome: to the forum also

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Originally Posted by Mephibosheth1

If the 40 gallon is a "breeder" style (meaning it is deeper rather than taller to get the extra size) then you should be fine...

T8s look nice too though, so either one would probably work


:welcome: to the forum also

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Thank you so much from the help! Looking at pictures on google this seems to be the most representative of the "Size 40"

http://www.frogforum.net/attachments...g-100_2669.jpg

He is also a very active snake and is very curious and not very sedentary, would the 40 still be fine? If not, are there any other large tanks that you would recommend? I don't think I'm interested in tubs at all at the moment.

Once again, thank you!

Looks about right…he should be fine with that.

FYI, if the snake is being "active", the husbandry setup may not be the best…most BPs are pet rocks, and prefer to hole up in their little hide boxes rather than roam around. Also, having the tank TOO big can add extra stress to the snake, as they will think that they are too exposed.

Are you planning on getting more BPs in the future?? They are addictive, and you may soon find that you don't have much room for 4-6 glass tanks in your reptile room :P I'd consider tubs at least when you get your 2nd or 3rd BP…I know the glass tank I have is really hindering my purchasing of more snakes.

Thanks again! I did notice that he did not have a hide in his tank and just had a large piece of driftwood, could that have been making him active? I'll definitely look into finding a hide for him (If he's still there at the store, I hope!)

:( I can already tell that I'm going to want more, but most likely when I can find a house where I can have as many as I want instead of trying to haul things up apartment stairs :rofl: Speaking of tubs, would you recommend buying one for transport? In addition what can I put the tank on? I wanted to get a UTH for it, but would it be a fire hazard by putting it on a wooden table?

Thank you so much for being so helpful and for your time!

If you use the Thermostat to plug the UTH into, and use the thermometer to adjust the temperature settings properly, you'll be OK. And use something to prop up one side of the tank…I use a piece of tile. That way there is air flow. Since the temperature is only going to get around 100 F, I think you should be OK….

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Originally Posted by Cyndymei

I can already tell that I'm going to want more...

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Do yourself a favor and get a rack before you get a second snake then. You can keep the tank to QT your new animals.

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Originally Posted by Mephibosheth1

If you use the Thermostat to plug the UTH into, and use the thermometer to adjust the temperature settings properly, you'll be OK. And use something to prop up one side of the tank…I use a piece of tile. That way there is air flow. Since the temperature is only going to get around 100 F, I think you should be OK….

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Thanks a bunch, I'll try that out! Would a plastic tub be fine for transporting the snake? Like a plastic rubbermaid with substrate inside of it?

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Do yourself a favor and get a rack before you get a second snake then. You can keep the tank to QT your new animals.

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I'll definitely look into doing that. Would you recommend building your own or buying elsewhere? Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by Cyndymei

I'll definitely look into doing that. Would you recommend building your own or buying elsewhere? Thanks again!

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Depends on how handy you are and the tools you have available. If you think you'll be moving often and hauling your stuff up/down stairs each time, I'd buy a PVC rack. Keep an eye on your local Facebook reptile forums and Craiglist, you can find deals if you're patient.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Depends on how handy you are and the tools you have available. If you think you'll be moving often and hauling your stuff up/down stairs each time, I'd buy a PVC rack. Keep an eye on your local Facebook reptile forums and Craiglist, you can find deals if you're patient.

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Thanks a ton I'll definitely try that out.

If you are like me and prefer to watch your snakes and have them as a bit of a center-piece, keep with the glass (or PVC or whichever visual vive); if you want more space to keep more snakes, you can do the racks. Lots of options!

I find a good rule to stick by for size is, if the snake can stretch out completely from one length + one width measurement (i.e. if the snake stretches out across the front and side of the vive) and is no longer, the vive is large enough. I think you can clutter up almost any size vive that may be too insecure/large/uncomfortable for the snake to make it feel less so. This can be done a tonne of ways, including blacking out 3 of the 4 sides with dark paper, adding multiple hides - tissue boxes, plastic containers, whatever - bunched up paper for young ones is something I've heard of lots, etc.

All the best! :)

I really like my T8 . With divider it is good for 2 adult balls , you can decorate them nice , and they look great stacked , more like furniture. You can keep the current tank for quarantine . :)