First time owner - How is my setup?

[tptad]

Hey everyone, I'd like to start off by saying I have zero experience with ball pythons (all snakes, really), but I am fascinated and eager to learn. I tend to go a bit over the top with things that interest me. As an example, I have been researching ball pythons for about a month now - reading as much as I can on forums, watching videos, talking to owners, and visiting my local reptile stores. There is an expo in Denver next month and I'd like to pick up my first snake. I want to ensure that I have everything I need and enough knowledge to give the snake proper husbandry. I am going to list my equipment and give some of my thoughts as well as list some questions/concerns that I have regarding each. Before you all castrate me and burn me at the stake, I have done the research and I understand many of these concerns have been addressed numerous times. I would like a second opinion given my specific situation as well as a single repository, if you will, of information applicable to me. Many thanks in advance.

Enclosure: Animal Plastics T8 (4 x 2 x 1), sliding glass door w/ lock, divider, pre-installed white LEDs

I wanted the T10, but shipping would have been almost x3 longer. Personally, I think the T10 would look better on display with the extra height. I am impatient - won't deny it. It seems *most* people recommend the T8 or similarly sized plastic enclosure for BPs. From what I understand, the plastic enclosures are much better for holding in necessary heat and humidity. Speaking of heat, I am opting to go for a single heat source, a radiant heat panel from Pro-Products. Bob over at Pro-Products is recommending the appropriate size RHP based on the questionnaire so I feel confident that this aspect of the setup is good to go. How many of you are just using an RHP? There seems to be a big debate on whether or not a second heat source is required such as an UTH. A UTH under the hide on the hot side of the tank is mainly to aid in digestion? A major argument I've come across that supports the idea of skipping the UTH is that they are not efficient enough to heat through various substrate - people are often having to "crank up" the heat in which case could do a lot of harm to the snake if he/she decides to burrow. I'd like to get some opinions on this. The snake will be small when I get it so I've opted for the cage divider. I can remove the divider as the snake gets larger to accommodate it or, if I fall in love with them, get a second snake for the other side. If I decided to house two snakes in the T8, I would purchase two smaller RHPs and mount them in the middle of the tank in order to still be able to provide a temperature gradient. Bob over at Pro-Products said this is a viable option that people tend to do. What are your thoughts? Is the enclosure large enough to support two BPs or is it necessary to purchase an additional T8?

RHP: Pro-Products (waiting on Bob's recommendation for size/wattage)
UTH: In case I do want/need to add this heat source, what would you recommend and why?
Temp gun: I'll pick up one of the highly recommended models most snake owners use to measure a proper temperature gradient.

Thermostat: Herpstat 4

Pricey, but in the event I want to get a second BP, I think this is a smart choice. For a single BP, I plan on controlling the RHP, humidity, and lights. I would still have the option to control a second heat source as well. Has anyone used the humidity probe on the Herpstat? This was one thing I didn't find a lot of info on. Would it be better to just purchase a standalone AcuRite hygrometer? I live in Colorado and humidity is pretty low, but I don't think I'd use a misting system. I'd rely on the radiant heat and a water bowl, spraying the substrate, as needed, to accomplish acceptable humidity levels.

Substrate: I think I am going to go with some type of coconut substrate. I'd get the larger stuff so the smaller snake has less of a chance of digesting it. With my low levels of humidity, I am thinking this is my best option to aid in increasing humidity. Can anyone chime in here and recommend something else or let me know if my logic is somewhat correct in selecting this substrate?

Hides: I want two identical hides, one on the hot side of the enclosure and one of the cool side of the enclosure. No open log type stuff; snake will feel more secure in something that is closed all around and is just large enough to comfortably fit inside. Seems like a lot of people get some dollar store bowls and cut out a small hole for the snake it enter/exit. I'm not much of a DIYer and I don't mind spending the money on something professional. With that being said, can anyone recommend a hide?

General decor: A lot of BP owners that I know and have talked to don't really keep anything inside their enclosures. Some substrate and a couple of hides. Why? I want my enclosure to be a good show piece but also simulate a somewhat natural environment. These snakes are generally shy so having a larger enclosure is not typically recommended unless there is plenty of coverage for the snake to hide and feel secure, right? So why not add some plants, sticks, decor, etc? Is this to minimize cleaning efforts? Just personal opinion? Your thoughts are welcome on this subject.

I know this is a lot of information. I just want to make sure I am able to provide my snake with the best possible environment. I understand this is a long term commitment and I want to start off on the right foot. Please understand I am asking these questions for the betterment of the snake. Okay, no go ahead and roast me lol.