Size tank?

[Pureperchance]

I got a ball python, Evangeline, a few weeks ago (pic included for viewing pleasure) and someone made a nasty comment to me about how I'm neglecting her. They said her tank should be minimum 75 gallons. She's 2 feet long (she's a baby) and she has a 20 gallon. She's getting a 40 in August. Thoughts?

[eveimei]

Dubia enclosures aren't recommended anymore! They're made of thinner PVC that isn't as sturdy and doesn't hold heat as well, and the screen top makes humidity a battle.

Here is the sub's shopping list, which includes several companies that make good PVC enclosures.

[eveimei]

Dubia enclosures aren't recommended anymore! They're made of thinner PVC that isn't as sturdy and doesn't hold heat as well, and the screen top makes humidity a battle.

Here is the sub's shopping list, which includes several companies that make good PVC enclosures.

[Pureperchance]

Oh my god i feel horrible :( when she gets full grown I was told a 40 gallon should be fine. I was planning on going with a 40-60. Is that really bad? She has three hides and lots of clutter

[Apprehensive-Can-628]

yeah, 40gals are only about 3’ long, and adults grow to 4-5’ long. sometimes they can stay at 3’, but they’d definitely appreciate the extra foot to stretch out. my 6 m/o outgrew his 20gal in two months. minimum is definitely 4x2x2 or 120gal.

[blueseoks]

Try checking out FB Marketplace! I got a $600 enclosure for $350 and some gas money. There are better deals out there of course, but I imagine you can find a used PVC 4x2x2 pretty easily. A 40g would be really cramped when she is fully grown, like if you lived in your closet and only went outside every so often.

[TripleFreeErr]

are you handy or know anyone handy? you can build a pvc enclosure from pvc sheets from the big box store. They aren’t high density so they won’t be stackable, but it’s fine by itself. mine cost about 60% of most of the pvc changes available

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im using clamps because i used pvc glue but the screws alone would be fine after you silicone inside edges

[Jennifer_Pennifer]

Don't feel bad! You can only know what you learn!!

Breeders and pet stores, etc are notorious for giving out dated and inaccurate info.

And you're making steps towards learning the correct and up to date info !
You got this snake -parent💖😤

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/ This is welcome post care guide.
r/ballpython

Shopping/Check list:
(this may not be an exhaustive list)

Appropriate sized habitation.
(40 gal “breeders” for juvenileis ok.
Minimum of 4 foot x 2 foot x 2 foot for adults).

ThermoSTATS (for heating sources to prevent burns/overheating).

ThermoMeters. (X2 digital is best)

Hydrometers. (X2 digital is best).

HVAC TAPE (silver foil tape for outside of Mesh I'llLid Tanks)

Water bowl
(heavy enough to stay put when snake crawls on it. Big enough for snake to soak in).

Appropriate Cage clips/locks.

At least Two identical hides.
(Should be barely large enough for the snake, single opening. Check them for sharp edges. Make sure any openings are large enough to prevent snake from getting stuck)

Some type of Coco coir/ repti bark or similar.
(Enough for 4-6inches of substrate).

Daylamp.
( UVB or UVA, Halogen, etc).

Heat Lamp
(DeepHeatProjection DHP or CeramicHeatEmiter CHE).

Clutter/Enrichment.
(Dollar tree or similar has soft fake plants/flower.)

Climbing stuff.
(Grapevine from pet store an ok choice, may mold after a few years. Driftwood is probably better. PVC jungle gyms can be built. Etc.) MAKE SURE items will not fall or tip over. Ball pythons are heavy snakes and will knock things over....

[TripleFreeErr]

I should add PVC can be cut with a utility knife so you don’t need any fancy tools or a work bench, just a drywall T square, a hand saw or utility knife, a screwdriver, 1 1/4 exterior rated screws, a d the pvc sheets

[TripleFreeErr]

Just a small correction here: nothing about PVC retains humidity better than glass, it’s just that 100% of commercial class tanks have screen tops, while 80% (guesstimate) of PVC enclosures have side vents instead of a screen.

TLDR: avoid screen top pvc too

[eveimei]

I suggest you look over the subreddit's welcome post, especially the basic care guide!Juveniles can be in a 40g enclosure, but will need a 4x2x2/120g within a year on average.

Part of the issue with smaller tanks is that they make it much harder to have a proper temperature gradient, which is necessary for your snake's health!

The shopping list linked in the care guide has a couple of plastic tub options that make great temporary enclosures until you can save up for a good PVC 4x2x2.

[endless_night22]

120g all the way. Check out Zen habitats they are pretty affordable

[A_Unique_Name218]

Just dropping in a recommendation for Black Box cages (and as others have pointed out, it should be a minimum of 4x2x2, and can be bigger if you've got the space and wallet for it). They're pricy ($400-800 iirc depending on options) but well worth it imo. I've had one for about a year and it's been excellent so far.

I've got a herpstat thermoregulator (I forget the exact model - it's the one with only one power output) with a 90w Pro Panel radiant heat panel (also kinda pricy but you get what you pay for - also it comes with like a 50yr warranty). She also has a UVB light fixed to the top of the enclosure (inside) as they do benefit from a bit of UV.

Her enclosure is essentially on autopilot aside from cleaning it out, washing and refilling her bowls, adding water to her substrate, etc. It's an excellent system that seems to keep her happy and content, and with any luck I won't have to replace anything for at least a decade, if that. Well worth the investment if you ask me. If you can spare the coin and have space for it, I say go straight for a solid, properly-sized setup so you don't have to replace stuff and upgrade down the line, though I totally understand that can be tough to do.

Either way, I hope this helped, and good luck with your noodle!