In my opinion the only things you need for a ball python are:

1. UTH
2. Thermostat
3. Accurite thermometer/hygrometer combo
4. 2 identical hides
5. Water bowl
6. paper towels, newspaper or aspen substrate. Never use cedar, it is toxic to ball pythons and most other animals as well..


Ball pythons don't normally climb and they don't normally bask. Lamp heating is pretty useless with ball pythons. Belly heat with a UTH is much more beneficial. Your temps should stay constant throughout the day and night.

You should have a hot spot of 90-94*F (measured with a digital thermometer with a probe, not a gauge or stick on meter) and a cool side or ambient temp of at LEAST 75*F. Shoot for around 80*F.