The age long question of... tubs or tanks?

[Drewcifer]

So, I know this question of which is better, tubs or tanks, has been answered literally a million times and I apologize for bringing up again, but as a soon to be first time ball python and overall snake owner, I really wanted answers and results that would tailor specifically to my situation. So... my step-father placed an order at a reputable reptile shop in northern Chicago (I live right above the Illinois/ Wisconsin border by the way), and from what I was told, it is going to be about a month for the snakes to hatch and weigh about 100 grams until we can drive down to go get him/her. I could not be more excited! He also said he purchased a 20gal tank, along with the essential equipment as well as some substrate among other select things. I was concerned when I first heard this because I have read and seen many professional snake owners/breeders/etc. say no matter what, tubs are the way to go. And I guess my big questions that I would be so grateful to have answered are... Is a tank substantial for just one very young ball python or is a tub more efficient no matter what, even if I only have one baby? I just want it to be as comfortable as possible so it can have a long and healthy life under my guardianship of this beautiful creature.
Note: I've read a lot of the past threads about this discussion and I wanted to say two things: If I do find out a tank is perfectly fine for the only one ball python that is soon going to be in my possesion, and I've read that them seeing everything around the room can stress them a bit, would paper or something like that work for blocking visuals on the three of the outer sides of the tank? And the second this is: If the tank does somehow seem to be unfit for the proper care of this creature, then I will immensely switch to tubs.

I greatly apologize if this is any way confusing, haha. But I would be so grateful if my questions were to be answered since I've witnessed hundreds of knowledgeable people on here answer tons of questions I used to have. Thank you so much

[SmoothScales]

I would suggest checking out this sticky - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201740
That being said, while a smaller enclosure would make the snake feel more comfortable, it is entirely possible to successfully keep a snake in a larger one provided you offer enough cover and concealment. Hot and cold hides that are size appropriate (to make her feel snug) and plenty of plants and foliage to hide behind will help. Covering 3 of the sides with paper is a good idea to help the space feel smaller.

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[SmoothScales]

I would also suggest checking out this thread - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=229026 as an example of a small snake doing well in a larger enclosure. It's pretty photo heavy but shows good examples of habitat clutter that will help a smaller snake feel more hidden.

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[Eric Alan]

Welcome! You really hit the nail on the head on this topic by doing your homework ahead of time. It sounds like you're a lot like me - you can make a plan for everything except for animal's own individual behavior.

Without any other information, there would be blind responses that will tell you a 20 gallon glass aquarium is far too big and exposed for a hatchling. You gave a lot of other information though - thank you! You can certainly make up for things by cluttering it up to make it feel more homely like you're thinking about doing. When I started out, I used display enclosures as well (an Animal Plastics T8 divided in half). The PVC helped a bit with the exposure part, but you can cover the sides of a glass tank to replicate that. For clutter, I used crumpled up newspaper and as they grew, the amount of newspaper necessary shrank. There will likely be humidity issues to deal with in a glass tank, but there are ways around those as well. As long as you can make a plan to meet the animal's needs successfully, and have plans B, C, D, E, F, etc ready when the animal tells you your plan sucks , there isn't a right or a wrong way to go about things.

Rule #1 - Be Educated
Rule #2 - Be Flexible
Rule #3 - Have Fun
*rules are in no particular order

Again, welcome to the forum. You're right - there are a TON of knowledgeable people here. I hope you enjoy your stay!

Best regards,
Eric

PS - If you haven't seen them already, here are a couple very informative threads I think you'll enjoy:

• Ball Python (Python regius) Caresheet - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...s%29-Caresheet
• How to Setup a Glass Tank (20 long) With Pictures! - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...With-Pictures!

[PitOnTheProwl]

The question is really: How much work do you want to put in?
I would hold off on the 20 and go for a 10 IF you want to do a glass tank.

[Drewcifer]

Ohmygosh thank you so much for the two responses. Definetly made me more confident about this, thank you!

[Drewcifer]

Thank you so much! That was so much information. Thank you again for helping out a brand new beginner into the world of snakes, haha, and thanks for the warm welcome, too!

[Drewcifer]

My step dad ordered it, haha. But thank you, I could probably ask to exchange it. Again, thank you!

[Drewcifer]

Ohmygosh thank you so much for the two responses. Definetly made me more confident about this, thank you!

[bcr229]

He also said he purchased a 20gal tank, along with the essential equipment...

Make sure that a thermostat for the heat source(s) was included in that essential equipment.