Ball Python Setup for Beginners

What does a Ball Python need in its tank? How do I setup a snake tank? What do I need before buying a snake? Today I am showing exactly how I setup a ball python tank! Many people buy a ball python 40 gallon tank setup from pet stores, lets show you how to set one up!

ABOUT LIAM:
Hello, my name is Liam, I am first and foremost a fanatic reptile enthusiast, I have a bachelor’s degree in animal management, this is where my interest in research stems from. My mission with this channel is to investigate herpetological husbandry with a scientific mindset and champion an evidence-based approach to reptilian husbandry, centred around animal welfare science.

[ReptilesandResearch]

Disclaimer: These tanks are not suitable long term, they are far too small for adult ball pythons, glass is not very insulative, nor is the mesh great for humidity retention. That being said the intention of this video is to reach those that do not even realise that there is a hobby but just know that you can buy a snake at Petco, who buy the 40 gallon and then struggle with it later on. This video is for those people to maximise what they can do with a 40 gallon tank until they can upgrade.

[shenron]

Hello ! I'm a french guy who just discover your channel and I must say, your explainations are SO GOOD man ! The amount of care you put in this enclosure is amazing, expecially when you know a lot of people are raising pythons in ugly plastic racks, it's great to see someone making an enclosure taking account of the animal well being, love it !

[louisbuckland]

Refreshing to see a video that acknowledges the fact that people are going to put their BPs in a 40gal regardless and provides info on how to make that into the best possible TEMPORARY environment for that snake.

[rebeccawicks]

This video is a breath of fresh air, I certainly hope people who are new to the hobby find this video! Love the way you say the snake should be able to move from different heat zones without being seen, as it really gets the idea of clutter across well.

[LEMIEisa_BALLPYTHON]

I used a pvc two foot pipe and buried it under substrate in the front of the enclosure so he feels secure moving to each side.

[savannahingersoll]

I love these videos! We rescued a 1 year old female this past week and she’s currently in a 40g while we wait for her 4x2x2 to arrive! This video really helped us to properly set up her enclosure so that she is comfortable and feels safe! She actually just excepted her first meal with us and I definitely think that your videos helped us to make her feel safe enough to eat!

[KreKrexler]

Very educational video. I was reluctant of getting a ball python due to the humidity complications, but you’ve seemed to make it simple, subscribed

[pythot]

Great modern guide! Especially the point that no enclosure is ever too big is great. I've started a 200g baby in a (very cluttered ofc) 4x2x2 enclosure about 2 months ago, and she is absolutely thriving! Great eater, actively hunting and exploring, but also super comfortable with me walking around in front of her enclosure because she knows she's like 10 seconds away from a safe hiding spot if she needs it. :)

Hopefully more new keepers start out with the modern approach to ball python care instead of diving too deep into the sub-par guidance many rack keepers provide!

[Gilded.Scales]

This is a beautiful setup and a great example of how to go above and beyond for your ball python! The overhead heat and UVB can definitely add enrichment when done properly, and your attention to detail shows real care.

That said, for new keepers watching—just know that setups like this, while awesome, are not required for a healthy, thriving ball python. These snakes do incredibly well with a simple under-tank heater (UTH) or radiant heat panel (RHP), depending on your setup The key is stable temps, secure hides, and solid husbandry.asyou This is a beautiful setup and a great example of how to go above and beyond for your ball python! The overhead heat and UVB can definitely add enrichment when done properly, and your attention to detail shows real care.

That said, for new keepers watching—just know that setups like this, while awesome, are not required for a healthy, thriving ball python. These snakes do incredibly well with a simple under-tank heater (UTH) or radiant heat panel (RHP) as the primary heat source, depending on your setup. The key is stable temps, secure hides, and solid husbandry.

[monikawinship]

This is very helpful, thank you for making this video. Can I ask How often you would change the substrate and if you have to take everything out and clean it all? Thank you.

[Rickerov]

Have you done a video on how to best clean an enclosure like this?

[barjee]

Regarding the ambient temps, the air temp will absolutely be hotter on the basking side, its not comparable to being in a field as thats open air, the is enclosed. The UVA and IR will bounce off of surfaces and be absorbed by hides underneath which will emit heat, this will cause heat to rise, heating the air as it rises. Put a thermometer on the hot side and block the light from hitting it, it will read hotter than the cool side for sure

[hamadahmed]

Would love a video for a corn or king snake setup

[MendedSlinky]

Could you do a setup video for a ball python in a full PVC enclosure? I'm curious to see how you do the lighting in one of those since typically you don't have a full screen top. This is also the type of enclosure I plan on getting, so seeing how lighting could be done would be super helpful to me.

[nicoleclifton]

What heating bulbs do you use? I have a 100w CHE & A ShadeDweller 7% UVB Lamp, 8-watt. Would you recommend another one? My snake comes this weekend so trying to make sure I have it correct before she gets here! Thank you!

[anikatyanna]

What do you think about tubs for ball pythons that aren’t fully grown yet?

[panalakia]

Hi, do you have an Amazon Uk shop? I thought you were in the UK.

[danMaddalena]

How much water should I add to the substraight.

[Carnosaur]

Hi there Liam, I’ve been a big fan of your channel and it’s been very helpful for me! I’ve been fostering a ball python now for the last 6 months who is now in a 4 by 2 by 2 enclosure and he seems to be doing well (although he’s still shy during the day despite all his hiding spots).

I had a bit of a question though. The hot side of a ball python enclosure should be safely within the 80’s in Fahrenheit which I have down… but the hot hide does get as hot as I’d like compared to the temp on top of the hide.

For the hot hide, right now it is 98 degrees F on top of the hide but only 82 degrees F inside the hide. The only way I get the inside of the hide to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is if the top of the hide reaches surface temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which to me just seems too hot.

Luckily the python seems to be acting normally for the most part and seems to be able to digest his food just fine so I am not super concerned but still, it bugs me that things aren’t exactly where they need to be with the heat bulb.

Anyway thanks for all the helpful videos you make, I’m glad you are one of many that I chose to help me do research on for ball pythons!

Oh! And the ball python does have access to a uvb bulb and also has a led, helping with full spectrum vision (though the snake never chooses to bask I still like to provide these things).

[acaciaballpythons]

I love the look of cork bark, just wish it wasnt so expensive. Also ive used coconut substrates and soils, but ive never thought to use sand. Is that an aesthetic thing or does it also help with humidity?