Welcome to BP.net!! I hope you find all the answers you need here...and more!


alot of places say a 20 to 30 gallon tank is sufficient, but would it be ok to go bigger? I have a friend with a 55 gallon fish tank, would there be a problem with using that? (it been cleaned out, and i'll make a screen for the top)

For BP's, smaller is definitely better. A young BP will likely be overwhelmed in a giant tank. And even a fully matured large female does not need one that big. They are also a huge pain to maintain proper temp gradients and humidity levels. It CAN be done...but is it worth all the extra work and sweat and worry? That's up to you.

Also, how do i find a good vet for my python?

Try any of these links:
http://www.arav.org/USMembers.htm
http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

and finally, I'm a student, so i'm generally gone during the day, will this be a problem?

Not a problem at all. They'd much rather be left on their own and wont' ever beg for attention.

also, any tips for the newbie snake owner would be very helpful!

My best and first tip is to go to BP.net and sign up and introduce yourself. Also, check out our caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

And my other favorite piece of advice is to decide how you want to house your snake and then get it all set up WELL BEFORE you bring the snake home. Give it at least a few days of being completely set up and running so you can make sure everything is dialed in right. It can be a real pain, and no fun for the snake, if you have to keep re-arranging and tweaking his new home once he gets put in it. That can set his acclimation back by weeks.

Good luck! Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident about caring for your new friend!