New to the Python community. Could use some tips

So quick background, I got a young ball (Maybe a foot long), he died very quickly and they're sending me a free "replacement." Basically, I wasn't able to get a good experience with him in that short time so I want to make sure I have the best for my new snake.

Anyways I have a 20 gallon tank with the mesh top. I have a towel to cover half the top to keep moisture in. I have a 75 watt basking but on the hot side it's only like 85ish. I know the whole tank should be around that. The main concerns I have are the lights and the warmth. What are the best lights I should use? (Blue, red, ceramic etc)
Also, Should I get a second light or a heating pad?

In case this matters, my house is on the colder side. At night, (winter) the house is approx 64 degrees. During the day, the heater is sent to the same temp but usually gets warmer due to the sun etc.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!

That thread will teach you everything you need to know to have a good setup with your glass tank. I'd definitely get a heat pad and a thermostat to provide a 90 degree hot spot and use the heat lamp to keep the ambient temperatures around 80 degrees. You may need a rheostat on the lamp to keep the temperatures from rising too high. As for the bulb color red is usually used because ball pythons can't see the red light. Personal preference but if you don't want a red light shining all night and day you can use a ceramic heat emitter. Read through the thread I posted and just try to replicate that setup the best you can and you shouldn't have any issues.

If you don't mind where did you order the first ball python you received?

I'll check it out. Thank you.

And I received him as a gift from a reptile store in Tracy California.

I'd venture to say that the 20g is too big, but thats just me. You can make it work but I prefer to work with something smaller. Have you read any of the tub set up guides?

Welcome to the forum.

Please post some pics of your snake, and enjoy! :)