I use tanks, but you could also use a tub. The substrate I love is Eco-earth expandable substrate, but you could use aspen or paper towels as well. Cedar is very bad for ball pythons, I would not suggest that at all. Under the tank heat mats are the best source of heat for a ball python, but again, you would need a thermostat or a retrostat, but a retrostat is supposed to be temporary. Set the heat mat to stay between 93-95 Degrees. Keep the humidity at 50-60% regularly, and 60-70% when in shed. As long as your ambient air temperature stays at about 80 degrees, you should not need a heat lamp, they also make your humidity drop as as well. If you do happen to need a heat lamp, use a red or black heat lamp, or a ceramic heat emitter.