First thing I suggest is getting a thermostat. If cash is tight you can get one for $40.00 at BigApple, this will be better than no thermostat. If using a screen top, cover it with foil or plexiglass or something to keep in the humidity (50-60% unless in shed, then 70-80%). Just leave some holes in it for ventilation. And like in the other post, no need to soak your snake that often. Usually only soak when they have a bad shed or when trying to get rid of mites. You want a cool side (78-85) as well as a hot side (85-93). And read the care sheets that the other poster mentioned.