I successfully keep snakes in larger cages than recommended. My ball has been in the same 40 gallon tank her whole life. They key is providing a home they feel safe and secure in not the actual size, imo. I give them plenty of cover to move around, under, in, and through and they do great. As they grow I will change what I need to but I try to still give them cover. My ball does great with plants and has never torn them up but some of my others seem to enjoy digging them up and moving things about so they get a little more of a simplistic cage.