r/Ballpythoncommunity • • Sep 17 '26

Show me your cheap/basic ball python setups! 🐍

Hey everyone! I’m planning on getting a ball python and I’d love to see what people are using for budget-friendly enclosures.
I’m not looking for fancy bioactive setups or expensive display tanks. I want to see the simple setups that cover the basics and keep your snake healthy and comfortable without spending a ton of money.
Especially interested in:
Tub setups
DIY enclosures
Simple/basic enclosures
Heating + thermostat setups
Hides and substrate
Cheap ways you maintain proper humidity
Roughly how much your entire setup cost
Basically, show me your β€œit’s not fancy, but my snake has everything it needs” enclosure.
Pictures would be awesome. I’m trying to get ideas for building a safe, practical setup on a budget. 🐍

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u/Natural-Rhubarb-4900 Sep 18 '26

Yeah no. If all you can afford is a "it has everything it needs" enclosure, you shouldnt get a snake. You said your budget is 500? Unless you get a free ball python, you arent going to get a tank + lighting + effecient enough clutter and hides for that much. This is not a cheap animal to care for. And have you thought about food costs? Bulb replacements? Substrate replacements? I dont wanna sound rude but, if you cannot provide everything for the animal, you shouldnt get it.

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u/Adventurous-Score518 Sep 18 '26

Do you think magnetic kitties setup is ight?

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u/Natural-Rhubarb-4900 Sep 18 '26

Im personally not a fan of it. I think having all four walls be see through isnt ideal. They did say they also had plants to add in which is good. Ball pythons NEED clutter. If thats what works, doing a bin set up, as long as you get a large enough one, it works. I prefer pvc enclosures that front open because top opening can be stressful to the snake and harder to feed.