Hey! So I recently adopted a ball python from a friend who could no longer afford the vet bills after she allowed him to burn himself on a bulb in the tank. I was given everything for free. Anyways due to a lot of conflicting information from vets unfamiliar with BPs and the previous owner I have had a difficult time maintaining a proper temperature and humidity.

I am going to completely re-vamp everything. Here's what I currently have: 40 gal glass aquarium, Zoomed UTH (medium I think), screen top (held down by heavy books), cheap suction thermometers, heat lamp w/ 100 watt bulb. I mist the tank daily and keep the water dish full.

I was wondering what to do about the screen top. I heard that you can do things to prevent the heat loss through the top. Any tips for this? I also heard that you can do away with the heat lamp and just have regulated UTH because BPs regulate body temps through conduction. I am definitely getting a thermostat of some sort. I can't really afford the Herpstat but I was looking at the BAH ones I think. I'm also thinking about putting moss in his hides. Any input would be helpful. Thanks!