okay, ive decided that i want a ball python and have been reading all over the forums about how to care for them all day long. there is a reptile show in tampa this weekend, tomarrow being the last day, so i want to act fast in getting my tank setup today so i can go to the show tomarrow and purchase my python.

i am confused about thermostats. i am not smart with electronics and such and the only thermostats i have ever seen were the ones to heat/cool houses.

how do thermostats work with under tank heaters? i am familiar w/ the heaters, i have a frog and use one for it. but how do they work with the heaters and where can i buy one. can someone please go into detail for the dummy.

my plan was to get a tub setup for my python. my next question is what is the easiest/ best way to ventilate the tub. I was guessing i could just cut a large hole in the lid and cover the hole with a small metal mesh cagey type deal and then duct tape that down to the lid realy good. does that sound like a good idea?

and then there is the digital thermometer. should i have the thermometer sitting on the outside w/ the little metal sensor connected to the wire on the inside of the tub?

i know these are pretty common sense questions but i figured it is better to make sure i know what im doing 100%

thanks for the help guys