Hi. I am a new owner, as of yesterday. The pet store has me set up with a 29 gallon glass tank, 10lbs of sand, a climbing log thing with fake plant vine, a cave, a water dish and a 75 watt white light heating lamp.

We have a pad that sticks onto the glass to keep the tank warmer, but we have the tank on the ground and are afraid to use the pad under the tank with the carpet. We are currently looking for shelving so we can use this.

The temp says it is about 82 degrees in the tank, and I am sure the humidity is rather low. We have a humidifier next to the tank (sort of) and it says our room humidity is 45%. (I do not have a hydrometer...the pet store said I didn't need it, but now I am thinking I probably do).

What I am mostly concerned about is A). the heating in the tank and B). the sand.

I don't want my snake to be cold, is a 75 watt heat lamp sufficient? The cage is near a heat register and that keeps half the tank's glass warm to the touch as well.

The snake was fairly active last night, explored some and got a drink of water, but so far today s/he has not come out of the cave.

From what I have read, pretty much no one uses sand with their ball pythons. The pet store had sand in his cage there, and gave me sand to put in his cage at home. Is this a bad choice, or a personal preference? Please help me understand why it is bad if it is (I really like the look of sand, but if another bedding is necessary that is fine too...just would like to know why).

The pet store said to only feed the snake once every two weeks. (S/he is small, just over a foot long) and that they just fed it last monday. They also said they think the snake is starting a shed cycle. I notice some dry patches on it, but no blue/hazy eyes.

Okay...sooooo....experienced people, advice? Suggestions?

I really did search before I posted, so I am truly sorry if this is another annoying newbie post!