Quote Originally Posted by Patricia View Post
Apparently, a UTH shouldn't be used without something to control its heat output, and the gadget recommended here is the ReptiTemp 500R. Our local pet stores don't carry it, so I ordered one from Amazon and it only just came in this morning's mail. After a week of worrying that our new snake would burn, this thing will be worth its weight in gold, LOL
Wrong, Patricia. It's worth it's weight in Peace of Mind.

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't recommend getting the snake until you have the tank up and running. Your first investment should be in controlling the heat and humidity. There are a variety of things that you can use for hides that are pretty cheap. So what, if the tank is ugly. You can "pretty" it up later. An ugly tank won't kill your snake, but bad heat and humidity can cause your snake to get sick, burned, or die. Then that $300.00 vet bill could have been prevented by an initial investment in a Under Tank Heater and thermostat. Besides, snakes can't tell the difference between a plastic bowl and a rock hide, but they do know "warm, dark, and comfortable..."