New to herpetology, lots of questions to ask

[stir-fry]

Hi, I'm brand new to the herpetology field and would like to ask some questions.

First off, I am thinking of getting a Ball Python but I haven't completely made my mind up yet, so I would still consider another species.

I am in the process of stripping down a freshwater aquarium (I've had it up to *here* with algae and water changes) that is 65 gallons in size. I have been considering getting a snake as a pet for years, and figured now that I have this big piece of real estate what better place to house a snake? However, I am starting to get the feeling that this size tank is going to be WAY too big for one snake. Am I correct in this thinking?

From reading up on the subject, it seems that it's going to be very hard to keep a tank this size properly climatized. Can anyone refute this? Is it just harder or impossible?

What pitfalls would I suffer keeping a Juvenile Ball Python in an enclosure of this size as opposed to keeping them in something smaller (like a big Tupperware container)?

Can Ball Pythons be kept together? Could I put more than one in my enclosure?


If Ball Pythons are not a suitable species for a tank this big, are they any you could recommend?


Next, I was under the impression that once you have tamed your snake and they are adjusted to you, that you could "play with it" (for a lack of a better expression) as often as you liked? However, I'm reading that Ball Pythons should be handled no more than 20 to 30 minutes a month (give or take). Is this a misconception or is my initial impression misconstrued?



I plan on taking very little steps. I am going to start with cleaning/sterilizing/drying my fish tank first as I realize a clean environment is going to be of utmost importance. After this I will probably try to find a suitable place to purchase a snake in the Toronto area (Can anyone recommend any local breeders?) I wandered into the Menagerie pet store on Parliament recently and had a talk with the 'snake guy'. He seemed to really know his stuff, but I noticed that they didn't have any young Ball Pythons. After I decide what snake i'm going to get, i'll probably design the tank around it's needs. I'm hoping to create a terrarium of sorts and maybe incorporate some running water and/or live plants.

I think that's all the questions I have for now. I appreciate any and all information that you can provide me with.

Thanks in advance
Stephen.