Quote Originally Posted by TraviZ View Post
I bought my tank this morning and the astro turf stuff. and reptile-bark made form douglas fir.
Actually, you don't want to use pine as a bedding and fir is a type of pine. If you haven't opened it yet - return it and get apsen instead. Cedars and pines can be toxic to ball pythons because of the oils in them.

and I understand I should have two bulbs? which one should be on the hot side and which one should be on the cooler side? thanks for all your assistance so far!

You don't need any lamps, under tank heaters are preferable (controlled with thermostats so that they don't overheat). Ball pythons need belly heat to aid in digestion. Most people use the lamps to help supplement heating, but belly heat is preferred. Lamps tend to suck most of the humidity out of the enclosure.

Good luck with your new baby!