I grew up with reptiles, was actually thinking of becoming a herpetologist when in high school.

Snakes are great and fairly easy to keep depending the species. Largest snake we had was a 15ft albino burmese. Most aggressive was a green tree boa, really to me looked at and amired versus holding. My dad loves to tell stories of how I would come home with bloody arms and hands because I was out in the fields catching 5ft rat snakes.

As far as the cage ventalation is key. You do not want it to be to humid and thats the problem with using glass aquariums. Monitor that closely. As far as the lid, if you are worried put something with weight on the top corners.