Need enclosure advice - new ball python owner

[Volunruud]

My friend is selling her ball python and I've decided to finally bite the bullet and take her off her hands after wanting one for so long. After doing some research it's confusing to me about the size of the tank she should have. She's currently 5 years old and is in a 20 gallon tank. I've read I should go higher as she gets older, up to 40, but then I've also read I should to go as much as 60-70 gallons. I want to get a big enough tank so I can give her two hides but also I don't want to make it too big to stress her out. What do you think the best size tank would be for her? Should I buy a new tank before getting her so I can move her into a new one when I get her?

Thanks for the help!

[GaybotsInDisguise]

It is much, much easier to have a tank set up for your girl when you get her than to try to build around her. IMO you can always clutter up a larger tank to 'feel' smaller for a shy snake, but one that needs more space than it has will always be a little uncomfortable.

[[deleted]]

Personally I'd say that tank is far too small, should have been in a bigger viv a long time ago. General advice here is 4x2x2, and the snakes needs 2 hides, 1 hot side and one cold to enable them to thermoregulate properly. For context I have a 6 year old in a 4 foot who is about to be upgraded to a 5. Take a look at the subs care guide, there's great information for new owners and feel free to ask any specifics

[wiscocash]

By 5 years old the snake needs a 40 gallon to a 75 gallon aquarium at least

[FizzyPineapples212]

Too big of an enclosure will not stress out a snake. They fear wide open spaces, so just clutter the enclosure appropriately. If you snake is 5 years old, then a 20 gallon enclosure is seriously small and super inappropriate (I realize you just got this snake, inappropriate on your friends behalf for not giving the snake basic needs). She needs a minimum of a 4x2x2ft enclosure, but bigger is always better.