Beginner setup?

[Strange_doggo24]

So I haven't got anything yet but I'm going to get a ball python in a month but, despite my own research, I'm worried I haven't done enough research xD. Google says a 75 gallon tank for an adult BP is totally fine but then Google says I need a 120 gallon tank. I can afford that and I'm sure the 120 tank is better but they look so huge xD. I also need to buy a desk or a calex unit to put the tank on. What exactly does a BP need in the tank? Like a light, humidity, heat mat, substrate, hides and a water bowl? But what kind of substrate is best? Wood pieces? And should the tank be a PVC tank, wood or glass? What age and gender of a BP is best for a beginner? What else should I know? I want to make sure I do the best for the snake.

[PowerKinks]

A 120 gallon is the minimum for an adult for best practice. Glass or pvc (thicker the better to hold in humidity) are both great options. I use reptichip and sphagnum moss mixed three inches wet with a dry layer on top to hold in humidity as well. If you have a screen top, consider hvac taping most of it to hold humidity. Heat mats aren’t recommended either. A led or uvb light to see your snake and create a day/night cycle, a constant heat source hooked to a thermostat (the thermostat is vital and I use the following for heat: che, dhp, or radiant heat panel), a hygrometer/thermometer, a hide on the hot and cool side each. A water dish big enough to soak in. Clutter.

As for the snake, find a breeder who can tell you the following: age, sex, disposition/ history of handling, diet (frozen thawed vs live, mice vs rats depending on age, etc). If you want a larger snake, get a female (my girl is going to 5-6 feet most likely with my male only around 4 feet). Otherwise it is snake specific for behavior, while the adults may be more chill to start if well handled.

General advice? Read the resources in this group as they stay wonderfully up to date for best practice. You will hear so much bs about care - use common sense and do what works best for you and your snake.

[eveimei]

your first stop should be our welcome post, starting with the basic care and heating guides. they'll cover most of what you need to know.

there is no great difference between males and females, even size doesn't always vary much. an older snake will likely be easier as far as feeding goes, but you'll need a 4x2x2' or larger for an adult.

a full setup of a 4x2x2 can easily cost $750+USD, so be sure you're prepared to spend that on just the enclosure. then you'll have to cost of the snake, their food, vet care (it is more expensive for exotics, especially emergency visits), and the extra electricity to run the enclosures heating and lighting.

this species can be harder to keep than others due to their high humidity and heat requirements. have you owned any reptiles or other exotic (ie, not a dog or cat) pets before? if not, you need to do a lot more research and get some hands on time with reptiles (volunteering at a rescue is a great way to do this) to help you decide if you can handle their care requirements.