I'm doing research right now into different types of cages and what not so I can make a good decision when I go out and purchase equipment. I'm definitely going to get a BP, and expect to buy a young one.

I understand the cage width + length >/= the length of the snake ratio, and keeping it close, so that the snake doesn't feel too exposed by the large space. I've also seen comments here about decorations and such taking up floor space, which effectively reduces the space for the snake.

I would like to buy one cage in which the snake can mature and fill as time goes by...rather than trying to section off a 40-gal tank, could it not instead be filled to bursting initially with lots of rocks, decorations, etc to reduce the floor space to the equivalent space offered by a smaller tank? Then as the snake grows, remove materials as necessary to offer increased space.

The expense of essentially discarding a small tank and any equipment permanently attached to it once the snake outgrows it seems to be a waste to me, since I'm not planning to increase my "collection" at this point. If I decide to do that in the future, I'd have the expense of a second tank anyway, and would rather buy the second tank later if I need it.

Of course, I'll deal with the expense if it's necessary to keep the snake healthy and happy, but (obviously) would prefer not to if it isn't.

Thoughts?