I should add that someone else will give you advice on tank size. Most may say a 40 breeder is to big for a 2.5 foot male. I have a male that is little over 2.5 feet in a 48x26x14 PVC enclosure and he is way happier then he was in a 24x22x14 but this wouldn't be true for most ball pythons. Also I wouldn't put the cold hide right next to the hot. I would find the furthest spot you can get and still be around 80. That way he has a hiding spot on each side of the tank.