Newbie: 10 gallon setup question

[Emmastaff]

OK, so I am trying to set up for my future young ball python. (Haven't gotten it yet). I have read many articles, and have a book on the way. I am a bit confused about the heating. I ordered an UTH and a rehostat (Sp?) But do I need a lamp or ceramic heat emitter for basking also? Some things that I read say yes, and some say no. It seems that if you are using a UTH and a lamp in something as small as a 10 gallon that you are not going to have sufficient room for a cool spot then? So how should I do this?

I do have a thermometer as well....

[pavlovk1025]

I vote UTH no lamp no CHE. Lamps and CHE's suck your humidity dry.

[Spaniard]

If you can achieve the required hot side temps with just a UTH it would be the preferred way to go. I keep my hot side at 90-92.

This can sometimes be hard in a glass tank depending on the ambient temperature of the room the tank is located in. If this is the case you could insulate the sides of your tank with foam board. This will help your temps and provide added security to your snake.

A rheostat is ok to control your UTH with but if your room temps are not stable you will get unstable tank temps as well.

If 60-70 dollars are in your budget I would recommend a Ranco or Johnson on/off thermostat which would provide you with much better temp stability. A good thermostat is the best investment you can make in this hobby.

[Spaniard]

I forgot to mention you could cover the screen top with aluminum foil to help with the humidity. Just make sure to leave some space uncovered at the corners to allow for some air exchange. Humidity should be at 50-60%.