Hello -

I just bought my first snake over the weekend - a ball python. (about 26 inches) While doing as much research as I can, I'm starting to get a little confused...

I'm aware of the warm/cool sides - I have a hollow rock/cave looking hide on the warm side. Underneath the tank, directly under this hide, is a heat pad, and I have my heat lamp set up on top of the hide as well. (as per the dude at the pet store's advice) The large water dish is on the cool side, along with a branch and some fake plant leaves.

Some of the stuff I'm reading/being told is a little contradicting...

Some people are telling me to have the tank setup as I just mentioned. (how I have it setup now) Others are telling me, that to keep better humidity, to move the heat lamp over top of the water dish... (to the former cool side)

Does this mean I should still keep the heating pad under his hide? Wouldn't this ruin the aspect of having a warm & cool side for the snake??

I don't think this sounds right to me, but I wanted to make sure. I'm thinking about leaving the setup how it is, and putting another small hide on the cool side. (I have a 25 gallon tank, so I don't want to cram it too much tho)

I'm totally open for any suggestions/advice. Please send some my way!

Thank you.