I'm more worried about the initial setup. If I go with double 24x24 I have to get 2 radiant heaters, 2 lights, arrange heat tape differently, need the divider, can't get the basking shelf and whatever else I'm not thinking of. If I divide it, I want to keep it that way for good.
Why do you need to get the basking shelf.. Ball pythons don't need to bask from what I understand.. I could take some pics of how I set up my t8 with heat panels and lights if you would like to see.