Preparing for my first BP

In a week I am going to the Chicagoland animal hobbyist expo, and I will be looking for a ball python(probably normal morph though who knows what ill find) I have done research on ball python husbandry which lead me to this forum. Reading through it seems I am in good knowledgeable company!
I have a tank(30 gallon I THINK 30+ definetly) I have read through this forum and it seems that a larger tank like that would be stressfull to a juvenile(i DO plan to get a young snake, a foot long, around there) So what I plan to do is purchase a set of those foam painted nice looking backgrounds that exo terra has to line the three walls of the tank, and for now while the snake is still young I will put one of those wall sections in the tank as a divider so only one half of the tank is in use and visible to the snake.
In addition im going to use that coconut fiber brick for bedding(i love that stuff!)
I have a list of things from two hides a UTH some rock outcrops and foliage to make it look at hopfully feel nice.
now, I understand that belly heat is the most important type of heat for the python. exactly how important would light fixtures be? or could I go without lights?
Does anyone have any tips, pointers or otherwise comments so I can prepare better?
Oh a water bowl for drinking and soaking is also on that list of course.
thanks for your input!

first off dont settle for a snake. wait until you find the perfect one. also you should buy it on the last day of the expo, breeders always make more deals then so you could prob pic up a cool morph like a pastel for real cheap. as far as the set up goes.. go wit the belly heat and some kind of cheap thermostat (reostats work fine and are about 30$) you wont need any lights if your enclosure is in a well lit room during the day. if its not then you can pick up a hood from a hardware store for like 10$ and use regular light bulbs. if you do get a light keep it on a timer for 12 hours on and 12 off. other than that everything sounds good. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FIRST BP! :gj:

here a link to check out if you didnt already

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=56846

Thanks! the show is only on for one day, but I am definetly picky when it comes to finding the perfect animal(last time I was there I took the entire time of the show to pick out a tree frog.) That thread you linked is pure awesomeness thanks!