Hello all! I'm new here to this forum, it looks like a great place to get some good info!

My youngest son (13) has a Ball Python. His name is Zeke and we've had him going on three years now. We got my son for his birthday a new to us 6ft long tank. We've got it cleaned, and my hubby is putting on 3 hinged lexan (it similar but better than plexi glass) lids. He's working on latches right now.

Our problem is heating it. We are thinking 3 heat mats underneath. Two 11 x 17 and the other is the one under our currant tank, I think it's a medium size matt. We just don't know what to do up top for heat. Should we do a heat bulb. Or maybe heat lights? We are buying a thermostat for it. The tank will be in my son's room. It does not get alot of light in there, and we heat with wood in the winter. So by morning it could be about 65 in the bedroom. This makes me worry about the cool side of the tank getting to cool. Andy ideas would be great!

We are also not sure what we should do for ventalation. His currant tank is screen top. It just seems to let all the heat and humidy out. Hubby is thinking about just putting some vent holes at the cool end to force the heat to be drawn across the tanks. But we are only guessing.

Thanks in advance, I hope there is someone who is able to help.