After reading online about having a snake as a pet, specifically ball pythons, I've come to realize that the sign that says "for children 12 and up" doesn't really seem to make sense. Being 20 years old, I've had myself worried for the snakes care, I want to make sure that I properly manage it. I bought the snake at a pet store that seemed to be much more educated and proper in reptiles and other animals than a petsmart or petco. Though most of the sites I've read on say to stay away from pet shops.

I bought a snake-kit that came in a huge box, if I bought that then I'd get a free python to go with it. I thought that was a deal and so that is what I took. The snake I got has to be 2 1/2 to 3 feet in length, but quite young.

In the box came with a 20 gallon reptile tank, bedding, two lamp lights (one night, one day), water bowl, one hide, and a thermometer that also checks the humidity.

the water bowl is useless, too small. the one hide it came with is too small, both of those I threw out. The bedding I threw out because when I tried to give it a bigger water bowl ( it seemed a little dehydrated and was actually drinking water) he spilled the bowl all over the place.

So when I did more research I've found a lot of useful tips and needed facts.

Heating pads are better, aspen bedding preferred, thermastat, etc.

Well I went back to the shop, and replaced a few things, I got one heating pad, cage carpet (someone told me that was good for extra protection from burning your snakes belly from the heating pad), a larger heavy ceramic bowl which he's laying his entire body in now, fits nicely. And over the carpet for right now I've had to use shredded paper towels, which I hear is not good with the heating pad. I also bought a semi-big wood halfpipe log that you see everywhere for the heat side, but i still only have one hide. And now I'm reading that even that type of hide sucks for the snake.

I'm going to be taking pictures later, Sorry for the long post and this probably seems like I'm rambling, I just worry and want everything to be well for my snake, I'm sure it won't die right away while I do some more shopping and research. I came to this site for help, sorry If this is in the wrong section. I'll be doing some shoppin hopefully today/tomorrow, starting with aspen bedding. I just need someone to give me some insight, but that faq thread seems like a lot of money spending I don't want to go overboard but at the same time I care for the snake.

Overview of what i have

20 gallon
larger ceramic bowl
one hide ( wooden halfpipe log
1 heat pad for size of tank placed underneath
two heat lamps
one thermometer/humidity thingy.
cage carpet for size of tank
shredded paper towel as of now

I'll upload pics later to clarify.

Thanks in advanced with any help you guys can give on what else is needed to be done.