if you MUST use a glass tank...
I have used glass SLIDING screen top terrariums (with a locking pin) for balls and all sorts of other snakes in the past with great success. The trick is to get it set up just right (and it should have been set up before you started to look for a snake
). DO NOT use aquariums with the drop over type tops as snakes WILL get out of them!
For balls in a glass tank you need the appropriate sized under tank heat pad, ideally the Exo-terra "forest" type; ideally on a rheostat or thermostat.
If you use a heat lamp (in addition to the heat pad) to raise the air temp, get the Fluker's brand with the dimmer switch and an in-fared SPOT light.
You will also need two probe type thermometers, cypress mulch bedding and a couple of heavy hides (i think exo-terra makes some that are like fake rock domes with a mouse-hole type entrance), and a water dish the snake can soak in. I locate one hide over the heat and one just off the heat.
I covered the screen with strips of plexi, cut into 1/3 the size of the screen so was able locate the heat lamp in the best location for temperature gradients. Keep in mind that glass tanks lose heat and humidity VERY fast and are very open for a ball. I used to cover the sides and back with cardboard to insulate and create a less open space for the occupants. When the snakes were in shed I would spray them down regularly and keep the humidity high.
I never had any trouble keeping any snakes this way (other than a kingsnake that would nose rub) but it is going to result in a lot of time being spent on daily fine tuning the environment and high energy bills. I moved all my balls into my new ARS rack and the balls are doing great; They really seem to enjoy how hidden they are in the gray tubs. I still have a couple snakes in glass tanks but they will be moved to the rack as they get larger.
Some people will probably disagree that tanks can be used with great success for most snakes but I know they can from my own experiences. The rack is the better way to go for balls though.
Bottom line; if you use a glass tank, spend the time to do it right and get the dang tank set up BEFORE you get the snake.
PS: I used to replace the metal screen with plastic to solve nose rubbing issues.
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