i work at a pet store and have been thinking about getting a ball python, i have always wanted one and we just got one in at my store a few days ago. I've done a lot of research and i'm excited to get it home, but i still need to buy the equipment/housing. i want to have its tank all set up and ready for it when i bring it home, and was wondering if maybe i should get the tank set up and monitor the heat for any period of time before actually bringing the snake home. Also, there is a lot of debate over what is a good substrate to use for ball pythons. We have a ready supply of coconut husk substrate at my store, but im not sure if thats good for them. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Also, it is a "juvenile", between 1-2 ft in length. I was planning on getting a 15gallon aquarium along with a secure screen lid (preferrably one with clamps to secure it) and later getting a 30 gallon tank when it gets bigger. Would the long 15gallon tank be sufficient for a juvenile?