new bp owner

[bmxican1317]

hey all im new to the boards here and also a new owner of a ball python.
this isnt my first herp but it is my first snake and i just want to make sure i have everything dialed in the way its soppost to be. this is my current set up

20g long terrarium with locking lid i have cardboard taped to 3 sides for security
2 heat lamps one with a 75w daytime bulb and one with a 50w night time bulb. i switch these out everynight before i go to bed
i have 2 hides one on the cool side one on the basking side
1 water dish
aspen bedding about 1 inch thick
i have foiled about half of the screen lid to contain some humidity
i have 1 zoo med digital probe thermometer underneath the hide on the hot side and it reads about 85-89 degrees
and i have a accu-rite digital thermometer/ humidity meter with the probe under the hide on the cool side and it reads 81 degrees with 38% humidity
i do not have a under tank heater or a thermostat and is on the list of things to get i have to get his set up up off the floor first

now about the snake
i purchased him from the local petco on the 7th of this month
i fed him that night 1 f/t fuzzy no problems
defecated on the 12th
and i fed him again today 1 fuzzy
i am keeping all these things on a chart feeding,pooping,sheds
it seems that he is happy since he has no problems with feeding but if there is anything that i am doing completely wrong or maybe and improve on or add to im open to all suggestions
thanks in advance and sorry about the long read

[Daybreaker]

Congrats on the new BP!

BPs don't bask, so IMO the lamps are probably not needed unless your house is kept really cold and it's for ambient temps. They suck humidity though so be prepared to mist frequently when he goes into shed or give him a bath if he has a bad shed.

I'll only use belly heat so I say definatly get a UTH with regulation when you can.

I would pick up a digital (food) scale also and possible a temp gun: the scale shows you any weight loss (sickness) as well as weight gain and can help you better determine what sized prey items the snake can take (if you go by the 10-15% rule over the widest part of the snake rule). I got mine at Target but Walmart has them too. Temp gun can easily check the temps of the heated up food item, the snake, and hot spots.

I would bump him up to at least mouse hoppers if you're saying he's on mice fuzzies (rat fuzzies are probably good for him). Mice fuzzies IMO are just too small for baby BPs (unless you have a super tiny one). This assuming he is a baby.

Hope this helps!

[Ash]

Everything sounds perfect! That's one lucky snake you have there :-)

One thing I'd like to mention though; my eldest snake is a 2006 and she's had an infrared 'basking' lamp her whole life. She has never had a respiratory infection or been sick in any way.The rest of my snakes have UTH and I have noticed virtually no difference in their health or apparent comfort. Everyone eats and sheds fine.

I feel like the 'dangers' of basking lamps get blown way out of proportion. The only benefit I can see to UTH over lamps is the fact that lamps burn out and you'd have to keep buying bulbs. On the other hand, if you go with an UTH you'll definitely need a thermostat to avoid burning your snake, and thermostats are pretty pricey. It's a matter of taste, really.

Anyway, good luck with your new pet! it looks like he/she is going to do fine.