Hi, so I just typed a lot and lost it... So I'm going to make it straight to the point and try to leave out all of the extra details so that I can just give facts and get the advice that I need. I have a new ball python, named Houdini. My 11 year old daughter really wanted a snake(but he is really like my snake now lol!), And I just so happened to find out about someone who was looking to re-home their ball python, so I bought him from this person. I was falsely told that he had everything he needed. I was buying him for a pretty good price with his commercially made enclosure(48"x 24"... I think made out of PVC?), a heat mat , water bowl, and 2 hides. They gave me no thermometer or hydrometer. Well once I got a thermometer, I realized that the heat mat was way too hot! So I got a thermostat, and it is now set at 91*(fluctuates by a degree or two). The mat is not even the right kind for the enclosure. It is a zoo med plug in mat that you would normally use for a glass tank(I have been doing my research). It is too small and doesn't cover a full half of the enclosure, or evenly distribute the heat. The cool side is far too cold(room temp. 73*- 75*). What should I buy as a better heat source for this enclosure is my first question? Something inexpensive that isn't too much work to install? I have looked at all kinds of options and I can't make up my mind which way to go. Also, I finally got a digital hydrometer with a probe, and the humidity is only 43%. I am afraid to mist the enclosure because I am afraid that it will bring the temp down too much on the cool side... But he really only stays on the warm side ever since I have it regulated with a thermostat now. Any advice would be extremely helpful. I don't want him to suffer. Thank you!