Hey, my name is Evan, I'm new here and although I don’t have a ball python yet, I do plan on getting one in the near future. I have been researching extensively on how to be the best/most responsible snake owner I can be, largely through online guides and extensive lurking on this site. My intention is to be completely prepared for the responsibility when I do finally get one.
But enough about me,

For now, I was wondering about something that none of the online guides I have read addressed. Where does one place the thermometer of a thermostat? If the heating source is overhead is it different than if it is an under the cage heat source? How does one prevent hotspots or cold spots when the thermometer only measures a little tiny area of the enclosure?

Also what are some good (preferably inexpensive) thermostats that I can look into?