My Ball Python Experience...so far

[Saboduh]

Hello!
I have had many animals but this has been my first ball python. I wanted to share my experience with everyone, and mostly first time owners or people who are wanting to get a ball python.
My gf got him for my birthday as a suprise from PetSmart, and she got a 10 gallon glass aquarium and screen lid, and a snake/reptile kit with a heat pad, 2 dial type thermometers and a dial type hydrometer in it. I got home and set up his tank and when I got him out as I was checking him out he had mites, the little white ones running around his face. The feeding sheet that came with him said he ate, but only once that month and it was 3 weeks ago. So I started researching and kinda got worried...especially after I found out PetSmart carries captive born BPs. I also realized he was really dehydrated, with wrinkles down his neck and side of his body.
So after hours of research (alot on this website) I decided to not return him and just take proper care of him. I started by letting him soak in water for about 30 min with just a tiny drop of dish soap to kill the mites, I just dropped the soap in the water, I did not make it bubbly. I did not use any other chemicals, and I also cleaned his tank and bedding. I made sure to run the water over his head also, thats where I saw the mites. I watched him the next few days and I never saw the mites again.
So I let a week go by and decided to try and feed him. I let a mouse thaw, and offered it to him, he didn't want it. So I used the blow dryer on hot setting, as soon as I lowered the mouse in he took it like a starved crazy snake. So I was feeling alot better at this point.
Finally my thermostat for the UTH came in the mail, I hooked it up and things were seeming great. I got paid so I went to walmart and got a Acu Rite digital thermometer, hooked it up in the tank and what I found out I was shocked. The dial hydrometer was reading 65% humidity, I placed wet towles over the screen to help his dehydration....but the Acu Rite was reading...34%. OMG this whole time hes been dehydrated and the stupid dial was 30% Off - lesson, never use dials. That snake kit was garbage for 20 dollars. I also got a Sterilite plastic tub, sodering iron, and new aspen bedding (until I can find some of the coconut kind) and set up a new enclosure for him.
Since I first got him he has eating once a week, without a problem at all. I move him to another tub to feed I dont want him eating aspen bedding. Since I moved him from an aquarium to a plastic container the heat has stayed perfect and it hold the humidity without any problems. I have never seen another mite and he has some wrinkles by his head but not down his body, and hes getting some meat on his bones.
So, for anyone who is about to get a BP or having trouble with your aquarium a few tips from a beginner who went though all that...
Start with a plastic container/ or a real BP enclosure, don't, don't, don't use dial type thermometers or hydrometers. If you get a BP at a pet store your gonna pay 50 dollars more than from a breeder or reptile show. If your snake has mites, don't stress it, let him soak in water they drown. Have fun and feel free to share your experience on this thread