Im still new to raising snakes (got my 2 ball pythons about a month ago) and trying to learn as much about them as possible. I just got a bigger tank for real cheap and need some advice on how to set it up.

The tank is a 36x12x22 glass tank, but it has no lid on it. I want to build a lid, and want to set it up just right. I plan on having 2 heat lamps on one side (one daytime, one nighttime on a timer) and I have a heat pad (Zoo Med RH-4, says for 10-20 gallon tanks) for under the tank that I will have on a thermostat. Do I need a bigger heat pad if I am using a heat lamp also? How should I design the lid to keep ideal conditions for the snake? Should I build it so part of the lid is covered and the rest open screen? What materials would be best, and is there anything to avoid using?

I plan on using Aspen substrate. I would like to have a hide on each side of the tank, with a water bowl in the middle. I have 2 digital thermometer/hygrometers, one for each end of the tank. Is it best to have them about halfway up the tank?

Finally, I have a feeding question. My snake shed about 2 weeks ago, and ate a mouse 8 days ago. Today, he would not eat. I was feeding live mice, but read that it wasnt a good idea so today I switched to pre killed. The other snake ate right away, but mine didnt seem interested at all. What are some good ways to get him interested in the mouse? Or should I just try again next week? If the other snake wants to eat a second mouse, should I let him? He is still fairly young and small, I wouldnt think would be able to eat 2 mice at a time. And finally, should I leave the dead mouse in the tank for a little while to see if he eats?

Thanks a bunch. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.