New Ball Python Owner

[mmager21]

This is my little girl if anyone is wondering btw.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By4...w?usp=drivesdk

Still new to the site couldn't figure out how to upload the actual photo

[GoingPostal]

You will spend just as much making a tank setup work as buying a proper reptile cage. If you go for a tank you need a ceramic heat emitter or possibly two, with proper domes and a rheostat/lamp dimmer to control the output somewhat. I would also want a uth on a thermostat underneath to make a nice hotspot and backup heat. No light emitting bulbs, it will only stress out the snake as they prefer to be hidden, the room light is more than enough day/light cycle for them. It's going to be under a hide 99% of the time, if you want to see it take it out. You'll likely have to insulate the sides and cover the top with something to try to keep in heat/humidity. Make sure you are still allowing some airflow and have plenty of space for the heat bulbs not to burn/melt anything around them and that your snake can't come in contact with them as they do get incredibly hot. Keep an eye on the substrate as too much heat/humidity and low ventilation easily lead to mold. Set anything up well in advance of getting your snake. Get a temp gun to accurately check all around the cage. Temps are going to change based on room temps so you need to keep a close eye.

[CALM Pythons]

What should I use for now until I have the finances to afford a PVC enclosure? Some people say a 20L glass enclosure will be okay until she grows out of it. Any advice? Also I'm wondering if I need day and night light cycle. So I can see her in the cage at night without using a heat lamp unless I have too. Would something like this work?

http://t.petco.com/shop/en/petcostor...t-led-fixture#

People have given you the best info for your new snake possible. I understand you want to display it and have a good looking set-up but if you go with the Aquarium & don't have it spot on you risk stress & health issues. To answer your question 20 years ago we kept full grown Balls in 20 Gal or 30 Gal Long tanks. So yes thats big enough.
If thats what your set on for now then cover 3 sides with Cardboard as soon as you get it for some cheap insulation. Glass looses heat as fast as you put it in. Also use a UTH and a CHE (Ceramic heat bulb) instead of light. If your dead set on a light then get the red heat bulb. Ball Pythons hate being lit up with regular White Light heat lamps.
If you don't put some of the "looks" aside for whats best for the snake then he will be stressed, may stop eating and wear down his immune system. Next thing you know you'll be on here asking what to do about a sick snake...
FYI, AP cages has the T8 on sale for $150 + 45 shipping. They hold heat and are 200 x's better for the snake and 100 x's Sweeter to look at that a Aquarium bro.
I understand if money doesnt allow right now but dont waste money on a Aquarium and all that goes with it if your considering a PVC enclosure in a bit. Instead get a $15 dollar bin/tote for a few weeks/month until you have the $195 for a bad lookin enclosure...Just my input, no disrepect to your wishes or what you choose. Congrats on the new snake

[mmager21]

Thanks for all the advice guys. My biggest concern is her health and happiness. I've decided to get a PVC enclosure when she's bigger because I want her to have plenty of room to hide and move around in if she chooses. I'm set on using a UTH for heating and a RHP for ambient temperature but my question now is what to house her in until I can I e afford a PVC enclosure and when she's big enough. Because of she's going to out grow this one anyway I want something that will be a good habitat for her until that time that isn't extremely expensive. If that makes sense. I want her healthy and happy I'm just not sure what to do as far as a juvenile enclosure.

[CALM Pythons]

Thanks for all the advice guys. My biggest concern is her health and happiness. I've decided to get a PVC enclosure when she's bigger because I want her to have plenty of room to hide and move around in if she chooses. I'm set on using a UTH for heating and a RHP for ambient temperature but my question now is what to house her in until I can I e afford a PVC enclosure and when she's big enough. Because of she's going to out grow this one anyway I want something that will be a good habitat for her until that time that isn't extremely expensive. If that makes sense. I want her healthy and happy I'm just not sure what to do as far as a juvenile enclosure.

Thats what I was saying, go to Lowes/Home Depo ect.. Get a plastic Tote with locking handles over the side of lid for $10. Drill a couple holes in each side for some air circulation and any other cords you run into it... Look on Youtube, thousands of breeders use these Tote styles...

[CALM Pythons]

Thanks for all the advice guys. My biggest concern is her health and happiness. I've decided to get a PVC enclosure when she's bigger because I want her to have plenty of room to hide and move around in if she chooses. I'm set on using a UTH for heating and a RHP for ambient temperature but my question now is what to house her in until I can I e afford a PVC enclosure and when she's big enough. Because of she's going to out grow this one anyway I want something that will be a good habitat for her until that time that isn't extremely expensive. If that makes sense. I want her healthy and happy I'm just not sure what to do as far as a juvenile enclosure.

Smaller one-
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-15-Quart-Clear-Tote-with-Latching-Lid/3341158

Bigger one -
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Hefty-66-Quar...ng-Lid/3341164

[mmager21]

Should I feed inside the cage? Or outside in a separate cage? My breeder has been feeding her inside the cage. And she's not cage aggressive. Advice?

[GoingPostal]

Feed in the cage, there's no reason to move them and doing so actually increases your chance of getting bit since you are handling a snake in feed mode usually with scent of food around. Plus the stress of moving can cause some to not want to eat at all.

[mmager21]

So I've decided to just order a PVC cage. But I still have questions.

[CALM Pythons]

So I've decided to just order a PVC cage. But I still have questions.

Good idea...