Hello everyone. I have a new ball python who is less than 2 months old. I've had him in his 10g aquarium for a few days now and i cant seem to get the temps up. after doing a lot of reading i think im going to take a lot of stuff back to the store and go with some flexwatt tape and thermostat. What would you guys recomend i get as far as the flexwatt tape? 3" or 4"? I should cover no more than half the tank correct? Is the flexwatt tape self adheisive like the UTHs? I plan on returning the screen top and using some plexiglass for the lid. Will just the flexwatt tape provide enough heat for the whole tank?

Ive also been reading that a 10G tank isnt big enough for a growing BP. How will i know when to put him in a bigger home? the articles i read before getting him (I wish i found this community beforehand) said that a 10G tank is good up to 28" and a 30G tank is big enough for an adult. I am guessing these are not accurate. What size enclosure should i aim for when he gets bigger?

Also, any recomendations for a thermostat? cost is a factor, and i dont need the absolute best there is. Just something to keep my temps in the proper range.

Thank you all for your help and sorry for the bombardment of questions. I wish i would have been more prepared before i brought him home