Hi. Having recently begun to care for an eight-month old Normal BP, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of available (and sometimes conflicting) information on their care..Two valuable threads I've reviewed are the Care sheet, and the Stickied/Reposted with Pics thread on setting up a 20-long glass tank (which I have.)

My biggest concern now is maintaining proper heat levels and humidity in the tank (along with helping my pet feel secure).

Here are two issues I'd like advice on:

1) I've read that red or blue "night" lights are best to provide an overhead lamp heat source, but I've also been advised to maintain a "day/night cycle." That said, I have a "Full Spectrum Reptile light" (50 watt) on during the day via a 12-hour timer, and 60-watt night light (red) in use for night-time hours. Is the white/full-spectrum light ill-advised, i.e., will it stress the snake? (he usually stays in one of the hides during the 12 hours it's on, and there is ambient light from a window in the room during daylight hours, but not too much...)..that leads me to the next issue ....

2) I have a half-log for the hot hide (sitting atop a UTH pad in such a way that the snake can move on and off the heated area to regulate its temp), and recently introduced an overturned clay pot with a top hole for the cold hide. He seems to prefer this hide now, but perhaps it's to his possible "detriment" (re: less heat in it?). I take care to disinfect this hide regularly with something called "Wipeout..." At night, there's also room for him to sit on top of the clay pot and bask in the night light's warmth, and he seems comfortable. Is it OK to leave this hide in the tank, or should I absolutely remove/replace it with a hide identical to the warm-sided one ?

Thanks for any comments!