55gal For Ball Python?

So getting a good deal on a used (undamaged, good condition) 55gal tank with stand and was considering using it for a ball python. I know they say 40gal is about what a ball python should be in and that too big a space could make it feel insecure, but would 55 be too big given I put enough hides and such in it?

Also I'd be a first time snake/reptile keeper, but I'm doing a ton of research before getting one. I'm planning on going to repticon in july and asking about a million questions and then spending the next few months just building an enclosure and making sure I have everything..

Just want to be sure a 55gal wouldn't be too big for a ball python before I buy it next week (the tank, not the bp)

 

Depends on the ball python. I've had mine for about a year. A 55 would be a bit of a waste height wise, ball pythons seldomly climb, I'd look at floor footage than height. LokI fasted for two months when I upgraded him to a 40 Breeder. Even after, he hid for another two months unmoving until I added a bunch of fake plants and blacked out three sides of his tank and put a black towel over the top.
And 20 Long is a great start for most Ball Pythons, unless you're starting with an adult female.

 

Depends on the ball python. I've had mine for about a year. A 55 would be a bit of a waste height wise, ball pythons seldomly climb, I'd look at floor footage than height. LokI fasted for two months when I upgraded him to a 40 Breeder. Even after, he hid for another two months unmoving until I added a bunch of fake plants and blacked out three sides of his tank and put a black towel over the top.
And 20 Long is a great start for most Ball Pythons, unless you're starting with an adult female.

Ah okay, I was really only considering the 55 bc I'm getting it, a stand, & lights (though they wouldnt work for a snake) for 80$. If I get something, i'd want it to more or less be the final home for the snake, so I'll look into a 40gal. Putting a photo of the 55 (it needs some cleaning) below just for reference.

 

Ah okay, I was really only considering the 55 bc I'm getting it, a stand, & lights (though they wouldnt work for a snake) for 80$. If I get something, i'd want it to more or less be the final home for the snake, so I'll look into a 40gal. Putting a photo of the 55 (it needs some cleaning) below just for reference.

LokI doesn't have any lights, as ball pythons don't like lights and are nocturnal. You could do a really pretty scape in a 55, but you scaled friend will probably only use the floor. And you'll have to carefully watch the temperatures as it's harder to maintain in a larger area.
Are you planning for a hatchling or an adult? I would advise against putting a hatching or sub-adult in that large of a space right away. It won't move.

 

LokI doesn't have any lights, as ball pythons don't like lights and are nocturnal. You could do a really pretty scape in a 55, but you scaled friend will probably only use the floor. And you'll have to carefully watch the temperatures as it's harder to maintain in a larger area.
Are you planning for a hatchling or an adult? I would advise against putting a hatching or sub-adult in that large of a space right away. It won't move.

i'd probably go for an adult if I did get it, just because i'd be terrified of not feeding a hatchling or juvenile enough and killing it. Okay so ill aI'm for something smaller, maybe a 30gal breeder for an adult male, or would 40breeder be best for any adult?

 

This is my setup. Usually there is more fake leaves but he pooped on some and are being cleaned. He usually hides at the back of his cooler side.

 

This is my setup. Usually there is more fake leaves but he pooped on some and are being cleaned. He usually hides at the back of his cooler side.

that looks amazing!

 

i'd probably go for an adult if I did get it, just because i'd be terrified of not feeding a hatchling or juvenile enough and killing it. Okay so ill aI'm for something smaller, maybe a 30gal breeder for an adult male, or would 40breeder be best for any adult?

Just be prepared to throw away rats because they will go on random fasts.

that looks amazing!

My Male is in a 40Breeder. I'd recommend asking the Breeder you plan to buy from was size they are currently in. LokI starter in a 20Long, which was a bit bigger than the breeder had him in and he was fine. Was super active, always ate unless expecting shed, super friendly. But I was pressured into upgrading him and he threw a fit, as I said, not eating until I filled the place. Then sat and pouted as he was in a new spot and unfamilar surroundings. He slowly started exploring.
Be prepared that every snake will have little quirks. LokI refuses to have appropriate sized hides, he likes his a size too small. If I give him a good sized hide, he'll sit on top instead of in it.
Thanks! I thought it looked nice.

 

LokI squishing himself in the hide.

 

LokI squishing himself in the hide.

that is so funny XD

 

that is so funny XD

Feel free to ask any more questions that may pop up, whenever you get them lol

 

Ball pythons definitely do like to feel secure and in tight places but I feel like a 55 would be perfectly fine as long as you pack it full of things, hides, plants, decor, etc. A lot of people say ball pythons don’t climb, but given the chance and opportunity they do and seem to enjoy it. Just don’t put anything up too high because they are heavy snakes.

And temperatures are far easier to control in a larger tank than a smaller one. You want one side to be cooler than the other and a smaller tank makes this gradient harder to accomplish. Ball pythons go off feeding for a number of reasons so I wouldn’t let that concern you too much. There’s ball pythons that refuse for for well over a year and are 100% healthy, you just have to make sure the snake isn’t losing too much weight.

 

The idea that snakes are unhappy in enclosures too large is completely false; they just aren’t happy in open enclosures. If you have at least two hides on each side of the enclosure (more is better) and plenty of clutter, you could get as big an enclosure as you want. A 55 should suit an adult ball well. A rule of thumb is the length of the tank from one end to another and the length of one wall should equal or exceed the snake’s maximum length. Females typically get larger than males.

Also, for ball pythons, the idea that they are terrestrial and don’t need to climb is utterly false, and is an excuse used by some breeders to get away with keeping their balls in Rubbermaid bins without much height. They quite enjoy climbing, in fact diet studies on wild individuals shows males’ diets largely consist of birds.

EDIT: One last thing. Be careful not to get a screen lid, because ball pythons like high humidity (you need a MINIMUM 60 percent if you don’t want respiratory infections or bad sheds) And for measuring humidity and temps, avoid the stick-on thermometers. They’re rather inaccurate and if it falls off the glass, your snake can get seriously injured by the adhesive.

Good luck with your noodle!

 

It looks good
Good job

I like the idea of a 55 and I in fact used to keep my male ball python Crowley in one snd he did well in there before I switched him to a tub rack. Just a headups if you ever keep multiple pythons it might get harder to keep them in showtanks lol!