Ball Python in 40 gallon long tank?/Gerbils and snake in same room?

[Bogertophis]

I've researched corn snakes a little, and they are also one I would consider getting. When you say a screen top is good for airflow, would that mean I would leave it uncovered? Leaving it uncovered would affect humidity and heat, but I know that corn snakes can be more resilient. I just want to make sure that I would be able to keep the heat and humidity at a good level while still having airflow.

Corn snakes are MUCH easier to keep because they don't require such high heat or high humidity like BPs. Yes, the screen tops are NOT covered. Corn snakes are quite comfortable @ 70-75*- if your room is 70*, let's say, you'd just heat one end (with UTH) of the tank- not more than 1/4th of the floor. You'd want to put a hide over the UTH also, so as to create a "warm room" for them- & inside that should not ever be higher than 84*. Doesn't have to be exact- just low 80's for the warmth provided. They'll mostly use the unheated areas that are in the 70's. EASY.

Humidity can be provided just with a humid hide, not overall humidity in the tank. Good air flow is best- uncovered screen top, yes. Overhead warmth (like from a dimmed light or CHE) should ONLY be used if room is cold- like in winter. At night their ambient temp. can drop to 68* with no problem. Corn snakes are pretty, & generally docile, sweet snakes- probably the best & easiest pet snake there is, & especially if this is your first. They happily eat f/t mice also.

Note, if you get a hatchling- understand that it can take up to a year or so for their adult colors to come in- they change gradually. So buy from a reliable source to know what the snake will look like as an adult- these comes in all sorts of beautiful colors. They also enjoy using some branches (easy to wedge diagonally from bottom corner to upper corner). The biggest drawback for a corn snake is that they start off so tiny & fragile- and they climb well so you MUST prevent escapes- the lid must NOT be able to be pushed up. And minimize handling when small & new- get them eating & growing for a bit- then work into handling gradually.

What is the temperature range in your room? (winter & summer) A very cold room will be hard to overcome, especially for snakes that need more warmth (such as BPs).