Quote Originally Posted by Penultimate View Post
Is there any specific brand of tank you would recommend? I want something that is escape-proof and won't take too much hassle. I'd prefer a tub, but my mom wants something prettier. Is there anything with the benefits of a tub that is pleasing to see?

Does your mom know that the pretty displays cost the most money? If your having to fund this yourself the pretty display style cages and tanks are going to be the most expensive option. Plus you are making a pretty display for a snake that you are hardly ever going to see out and about. I have a 40 gallon naturalistic tank and it is buy far my most expensive tank to keep.

That said I like both the ExoTerra and the ZooMed glass tanks. They both lock so your snake stays put. Starting with a young snake it is suggested to start in a smaller tank and upgrade later once it is larger. Again this is much cheaper with tubs as a 40 gallon sliding top locking cage will run you $130-170 bucks. I would try to talk you mom into at least letting you start out in a tub. Tubs are by far the easiest way to start out.

Any specific brand of heating equipment? Any specific type?

Well this is a lot of opinion but one thing all experienced keepers agree on is buy a good one. I like Herpstat and have 4 units. I have never had an issue with them but they are going to start at $100 for the basics and go up from there but you get what you pay for.

I have had the Hydrotherm that you may see suggested on here. They are cheap and ever since the one I had failed in about 3 months I no longer suggest them.

How much and how often do you feed your snakes?
The usual suggested feeding is every 5-7 days for young snakes then going to 7-10 days as they get older and eventually every two weeks depending on the size of prey you feed. The usual amount to feed is 10-15% of the snake body weight.
If I were you I would start putting all the needed equipment on paper and see which method you can afford.
Your gonna need:

water bowl(dollar store)
two hides (could make yourself to save money)
cage
under tank heater
thermostat
thermometer

Then depending on your homes temp you may also need:
heat lamp with bulb or che
spare bulb or che

Then if you want a naturalistic setup:
plants (fake, real, or both)
substrate
other decor