Hello all.

I got a ball python from a local store at the beginning of the week, but I made the rookie mistake of getting both the snake and the tank+equipment at the same time, especially because I can't seem to get the proper conditions.

Here's what I've got so far:
  • Zilla 20L glass tank
  • Single layer of newspaper lining the bottom, topped with 1/4 inch of Eco-Earth
  • Reptitherm UTH for 10 to 20 gallon tanks
  • Two hides, one which never gets used no matter where they're put
  • Water bowl in the center
  • Zilla 1000w thermostat, digital thermometers, and a digital hygrometer


Where exactly should I be putting the thermostat probe? Currently I've got it directly on the newspaper with the Eco-Earth around/over it, just above the center of the UTH. I've also set it to around 93F or so.
However, even though the thermostat seems to be working, I have a thermometer probe right next to the thermostat probe and the temperature on that thermometer only shows around 74F.

In addition, the cool side of the tank only reads around 70 to 72 degrees.

Humidity is also an issue, but despite using a glass enclosure it seems right now I actually have too much -- a solid 75% through the night with nothing covering the top. When I started I didn't have Eco-Earth and I'd have to spray every hour just to barely maintain 45 to 50% even with foil covering most of the top and water bowl over the heat pad. My hygrometer probe is about an inch up the glass wall around the center area of the tank... is this a good place for it?

My ball is pretty snappy, too. He likes to pose for a strike when I change his water and the first time I was doing this, he *did* tag me. Felt hilarious, but given these conditions I'm worried for his later health. Since I basically just got him, I'm also hoping he won't be going on a hunger strike when it's time for first feed.

Thanks all