In need of some help.....

[angllady2]

To be honest with you, you CAN use a tank that big for a ball. You will also tear your hair out in frustration at how difficult it is to keep the temps and especially the humidity correct.

One other thing to consider, since ball pythons spend 95% of their lives hiding, mostly all you'll be looking at is a big ol' decorated and empty tank, provided you do things right.

In my opinion, you and your ball would be happier with a smaller tank. It will be easier to properly maintain, and I think they look better as well. You can of course turn a 55 into a magnificent showtank, but honestly it will be wasted on a secretive ball python. However, you can create an equally stunning mini-showtank out of a 20-30 gallon, and you and the ball will be happier for it.

I don't know how big an adult beardie gets, but I think if you are going to go with a showpiece out of the 55, it makes more sense to do it for the beardie, and least you'd SEE the beardie!

Now, as to your heating question. If you decide to go with the 55 for a ball, you'll need a pretty good size heated area at one end. I'm sure a UTH will work fine, but it will need to be a big one. I'd go with the 24 watt size. You will also need a good thermostat to regulate it, and preferably a digital thermometer to tell you if your temps are correct. With a tank that size, depending on how warm/cool your house is, you may be forced to use a CHE as well.

Humidity will be your biggest challenge however, and it might take a couple of weeks to figure out how to get the level where you need it to be and stay stable. And don't waste time with those cheap dial-type humidity gauges, they are useless, go digital. Most people here favor the Accurite digital weather station, which is cheap and effective.

I wish you all the best.

Gale