Overwhelmed beginner -- please help!

Hey everyone! I'm getting a baby pastel mojave on Wednesday and I could use a little help with setup. This isn't actually my first ball python, but I haven't owned one in several years and I want to have all the information so I can get everything perfect for my girl.

I was wondering if anybody could give me suggestions on specific products. For instance, which heating mat would be best for my 20 gallon tank? What thermostat do you recommend? Is a basking light absolutely necessary in your opinion (I've seen a lot of inconsistency on this topic).
I'm also wondering what the best method of temperature and humidity control is.

If you guys could leave some links and some info on products that you have found work great for your ball python, and any other tips and tricks at all, that would be fantastic! I couldn't be more excited for my girl (who will be named Lucille Ball Python, Lucy for short... at least I crack myself up).

Thanks in advance!

Take a look at the stickies in the husbandry section. There are really good threads about setups. In general, tubs setups are a lot easier to maintain than tanks. Basking lights are not needed or even advised for balls. The BP does not need the light and they suck humidity. As for specific products, you get what you pay for. Expect around $100 for a good thermostat.

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Originally Posted by Awoodis

Hey everyone! I'm getting a baby pastel mojave on Wednesday and I could use a little help with setup. This isn't actually my first ball python, but I haven't owned one in several years and I want to have all the information so I can get everything perfect for my girl.

I was wondering if anybody could give me suggestions on specific products. For instance, which heating mat would be best for my 20 gallon tank? What thermostat do you recommend? Is a basking light absolutely necessary in your opinion (I've seen a lot of inconsistency on this topic).
I'm also wondering what the best method of temperature and humidity control is.

If you guys could leave some links and some info on products that you have found work great for your ball python, and any other tips and tricks at all, that would be fantastic! I couldn't be more excited for my girl (who will be named Lucille Ball Python, Lucy for short... at least I crack myself up).

Thanks in advance!

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Before suggestions are made, I think it would be good to know your budget. Also, what is the room temperature and humidity of the room you'll keep it in?

And regardless of the answers to my questions, a basking light is not necessary. Basking lights are for diurnal animals that use the sun to gain warmth. Ball pythons are nocturnal and rarely see the light of day in the wild.


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I'll be following this thread as well for I'm in the same boat. My 1st BP is waiting to be shipped while I get everything setup. I have a 20L PVC setup w/ an 11x11 Ultratherm UTH coupled w/ a Herpstat1 Thermo. I hope and pray that provides high enough temps for the setup or else I just wasted money on the Herp1 and should of went w/ Herp2. Hopefully this setup is not as stressful as I've been reading.