What snake should I get?

[Curesssoli]

Looking for a good beginner snake. I have a 40 gallon tank with a mesh top ( can cover the top in cloth ). My budget is $100 on Amazon and $170 in cash. I've picked out a heater and everything needed in the tank ( no humidifier though, can buy one if needbe and a glass top ). I'd prefer a snake 4-5 feet as a female or male ( either works ) and my only real requirements are a snake of that size that is heavy bodied ( I love the size and width of ball pythons, but they get easily stressed ) and is good for beginners. Something that doesn't need extra humidity would be ideal, but I can work with one that does. Any suggestions? I've looked into carpet pythons but would they fit in a 40 gallon breeder? I've never had a snake before, but I've done research and can do more.

[Scubadiver59]

Welcome to SSNAKESs!

I’d suggest looking more into Boas if you want something heavy and medium length...depending on the Carpet, some get quite long and can be a handful (IMO).

[craigafrechette]

First off, welcome to the forum!!

Right off the bat, my best advice is this: don't buy an animal based on having a 40 gallon tank on hand. That enclosure will likely be too big for any juvenile animal regardless of species. So you'll need something else to start with anyway.

Not to rain on your parade, but proper equipment alone will put a serious dent in your budget. You need heating equipment, which it sounds like you've partially picked out, but only mentiononed one thing out of several. You'll likely need an under tank heater, a heat lamp and bulb or CHE, and a THERMOSTAT (VERY IMPORTANT). That equipment alone chews up most of your budget if you go with entry level equipment, or you'll have to save up more for good equipment. Not to mention hides, substrate, water bowl, etc...etc...etc...

Plus, it's very important to have a food source lined up. Are you feeding F/T or live? Do you have a reliable source for live prey? Do you have freezer space for frozen prey? All things to think about and be included in your budget.
What about money for a vet vist? Emergencies happen and will often cost a few hundred bucks out of the blue.

My advice: save some money over the next bunch of months. Do some research and find a species that you want. By the time you've saved up enough money you'll be more knowledgeable and will be in a better position to bring your new pet home. If you can go to a reptile expo in that time you'll be able to see & handle different species.
Take your time with your decision, a snake is a living, breathing, 20+ year commitment.