I hate searching for stickies too. plus for a first time owner it can be broken down into a few simple basics.
A 20 gal long (20"x12"x12") tank it's about $70 in a petstore for a good "reptile" tank. I always go with the reptile tank because the slide'n'lock lids are escape proof. ***Try searching your local craigslist/freecycle for a tank, I got most of mine on craigslist for under $20 each.***
Edit: you can start with a 10gal which is cheaper, but you might as well invest in a 20 gal that will fit your bp it's whole life.
A heat pad for a 10-20 gal tank. I like the ones by zilla (under tank heaters). About $18 bucks... I would buy this new.
When you buy it don't unstick the wax paper, instead use packing/duct tape ect to secure it to the bottom of your tank. That way you can remove it for cleaning or if you ever want to switch cages. ... If you stick it using the provided adhesive it won't come off without damaging the heating element. So go with ducttape.
Also leave the pad plugged in with the tank empty for at least an hour (don't add the snake yet) then stick your hand on the glass over the pad. Mine are fine, but some run hot, if you can't hold you hand in place for over a minute then tape a piece of cardboard between the pad and the tank to lower the glass temp. Wouldn't want to burn your snake.
Also invest in a digital therm and humidity monitor. You can pick up a simple one for under $15. I stick that on the hot side of my tank to check temps. The first couple days you can move it back and forth to make sure temps and humidity is good on both sides.
2 hides just a little bigger than your snake... this ones up to you. I use storage containers with 2 holes 'cut' using a saudering iron to eliminate sharp edges. But really anything will work. You need 2 identical ones, put one on the 'hot' side and one on the cold side so your new bp can thermoregulate his own body temp. Keep the monitor down on the bedding since bps are burrowers and will spend all their time on or under the bedding.
And a water bowl... you can start small. Big enough you can fill it half full and your snake can crawl all the way in without spilling water. Just make sure it's tip proof. Pyrex baking pans or ceramic dog bowls are my faves.
If you have trouble keeping humidity in, the best fix also happens to be cheap. Duct tape aluminum foil over 3/4+ of the tanks mesh lid. Don't worry about air flow, the bp will be fine with a small mesh opening.
And that's the basics. You don't need anything else, but I like to add decor ect...
Enjoy your first snake... and don't be shy round here!
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