What is the proper tank requirements for a Ball Python?

right now, he has almost outgrown his 10 gallon. I am going to my local reptile store today to get all the things that hell need for the next stage of his life. What size tank will he need? What does he need in it? What type of substrate should i use? Should i use a UTH or a heat light fixture? PLEASE HELP, I'M GOING TODAY!!! |||Depending on the pet store and what they have available, I'd go with a tank from 30-40 gallons. This will suit the snake for the remainder of it's life as these guys really don't get that big. I personally would not trust anyone who works at the pet shops since they most generally are making up stuff that you want to hear. Don't let them tell you to buy a certain product over another, because there is almost a different motivation for it (commission, they need to move something out, etc). In terms of what to use in the tank, the more simple the better. A nice substrate like reptibark bark works very well for ball pythons. I would recommend you use under heat sources such as pads over heat lamps. Generally you want there to be a good heat variance so the snake can choose. This said, you should place the heating pad under the tank in a corner that takes up a small portion of the cage. You should have 2 or 3 hide boxes (or half log things) for the snake to hide in, one on the hot side and the other on the cool side. The snake will need a water bowl as they do drink water. A climbing or decorative thing is nice, but too much in a small cage could be confusing (think of you house with furniture wall-to-wall). The lights, honestly, are for your own satisfaction. Ball pythons, unlike lizards, don't really need to light to grow. In the wild, they often times spend most of their life in burrows hunting rodents and what not underground. If the snake is in a well lit room, it will be fine. If the room has a window, even better. DO NOT place the snake cage in front of the window as that will add crazy amounts of heat. That sums it up I think, if you have additional questions, feel free to email and ask.|||It depends on if you want to get a tank that will suit your snake from now on. After my snake grew out of its 10 gallon I got a 30 gallon and its been more than perfect since then. ( the last 3 years) Ball pythons need a heating lamp and of course the people working at the pet store will direct you to the appropriate wattage for the size of your snake. The substrate should be something non toxic and as natural as possible. I use a wood chip substrate that I buy from the local pet smart. He will need a water dish large enough to coil up in and a hiding rock also. I have a branch in my tank but ball pythons aren't really climbing snakes, its more for looks. However, Riddick (my snake) tends to lay on the branch while basking.|||sorry if this answer comes late but ur ganna need at least a 20 gallon with a small log and a cave. for substrate i would recommend either reptile carpet or aspen bedding. aspen bedding looks better but reptile carpet is WAY easier to clean. i would also recommend a heat pad just for night use instead of a heat lamp just because it would warm up ur python without the light in your face when ur trying to sleep.|||a 20 gaalon