To give you an idea, a baby could/would easily start out in a 10-gallon tank (with lights). I could loan one to you until he outgrew it in a few months at which time you would need something larger. You could then get a 20 or 40 gallon tank, but those will be quickly outgrown. I suggest just going from the baby tank to permanent housing. You could do a 60 gallon (or larger) tank at that time, or a reptile enclosure - which are easily found on Craig's List.
BTW: one thing that might put a kibosh on the whole Beadie thing for you: food.