First Ball Python - Terrarium Questuons & Concerns.

[southwind]

I am going to be building my 1 year old ball python a Terrarium in a tank that is 36x17x18, It has split mesh lid with many internal clips.

I know I will need a heat pad, and possibly a heat lamp (unsure based on some users posts)

1. Do I need a heat pad for the cool side?

2. I'm worried that if I setup the heat pad incorrectly and have the air temp at 80-85 the glass temp might burn the snake.

3. Are these correct, Daytime should be maintained at 80° - 85° F with a basking temperature of 90° - 95° F. Nighttime should be 75° - 80° F

4. Is there a way to auto-adjust the temps, Incase I go away for a week?

5. Do I need a heat lamp, What is the best type of bulb?

6. I am also thinking of doing the tin foil on the mesh to keep heat in, Is this a good idea?

7. If I don't get the temp correct the first couple of days (lets say a bit too low of temp) will it hurt my ball python?

8. When I handle my ball python, will the temp change hurt him, or does my body heat keep him warm enough?

I know its a lot of questions, there are so many mixed answers I'm a bit confused and want to take the best care of my snake possible!

Thanks!