SORRY I didnt get the temp gauge yet and for heating im using one of those heating trea stump and the thing on the left side is not plastic its made of clay i dont know what its called fictile i think? and that where the snake spends most of its time should i remove it?? and yes im using sand as bedding is that bad?? I try to add more hiding places but dont u think the enclosure isnt big enough for more hiding places?? I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO to be honest I got the snake as a gift and i feel lost I dont wanna hurt it