I just joined and was reading through a number of the cage suggestions. I was hoping I could get some input.

I have a 5 month ball python - she is in a 20 gallon tank about 30 inches long right now with lots 'o hiding spots - just your general slide lid aquarium type. I would like to get a nicer looking cage and one that will be good for her lifetime. It sounds like the 36 inch is a minimum? What about depth and height - got a little mixed up? It is my understanding that height is not a big one for them but depth is. So I was looking at some on Boaphiles, Visioncages, and Animal plastics - sometimes choices get overwhelming. Am I thinking too small for her lifetime at around 36(L)x24(D)x12(H)?

I like the fact that the light fixture is on the outside of animal plastic and vision but it seems that boaphiles really gets the better reviews in the end? Thoughts? I have a under cage heat pad on the bottom (one end) and 2 light fixtures - I do not keep my house too hot so need all of that to get a good temp around 80 . I am wondering if I will need all of that once the top is not just a screen. So not sure that I can assume the undercage heat pad will take care of it all for me.

The drawback on vision seems to be the doors over time and saw that some complained of buckling due to weight - I have a 15lb cat that I cannot keep off of everything for sure so must consider that.

Please give me some feedback and/or suggestions -- so torn on what to get.