I generally disagree with the theory that Ball Pythons "prefer" a smaller enclosure. The reality is, they like to hide. A Ball Python would not be at all stressed in a 500 Gal enclosure, as long as they have ample space to hide. But a Ball Python would be stressed in a 20 Gal if they did not have appropriate hiding places.
If you do keep them in a glass aquarium, I strongly suggest you block off the back and sides. This will allow them to feel much more secure.
Ball Pythons are nocturnal, therefore they do not need a "basking" area. Though they do need a temperature gradient. Underbelly heat, such as heat pads or Flex Watt heat tape, are ideal for providing heat to Ball Pythons.
High humidity (above 75%) can create upper respritory infections. 50~60% is ideal.
A water dish they can submerge themselves in is a good idea. They will often soak to aid in shedding.
It's best to feed them a single large prey item as their meal as opposed to multiple smaller items. Once a week when they are growing rapidly, once every two weeks once they mature. It is common for them to go off feed through the winter months.
Ball Pythons are fairly boring pets. They hide throughout the day and mostly come out to explore when searching for food. My personal attraction to them is the wide variety of morphs and morph combos.
Corn Snakes are much more comfortable being handled and tend to spend more time exploring their environments. These also come in a wide variety of morphs and morph combos.
Some people promote keeping Ball Pythons in rack type set ups. While I agree they can be kept this way, I do not promote this approach to people who are keeping them as 'pets' and feel this approach should be left to breeders. I feel our pets should be kept in display type enclosures.
