Okay, I know this topic has been discussed before but every response I get and every care sheet I look at seems to give me different answers that are in no way similar or related. I'm in the process of buying new tanks for my balls so I would like to clear up any misconceptions before I go ahead and settle on the tank sizes.

As far as I'm concerned:
The avg female ball python: 4'-4.5' (48"-54")
The avg male ball python: 3'-3.5' (36"-42")

I know this varies from snake to snake based on feeding schedules

This is where the confusion kicks in...
Some say:

- The length of the tank should be at least half of the ball python's length so a 20 gallon (24 inches in length) should suffice for 3 foot male ball.

- The length + width of the tank should accommodate the length of the snake so a 20L gallon (30"x12") should suffice for a ball python up to 42".

Do any of you support any of these rules of thumb or have any to share?

I'm currently looking into getting two 20L gallons for both my balls. My female is about 2.5 feet and my male is 3 feet. I've got a storage system from Ikea (http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/S89850851) where the tanks are going to go and I would just like to make sure that these tanks will be okay until they outgrow them.

Tubs are not an option for me since I only own 2 ball pythons and probably won't be getting any more for another couple of years. Although I appreciate the fact that many of you will start suggesting that I get tubs, let's try and stay on topic