OK, so, as I learned when I 1st got into this not long ago, you can't really go tooooo cheap on stuff like a thermostat. I did get the hydrofarm thermostat off of amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=hydrofarm)

Now, the tank size, if you cant get a 2nd hide in on the cool side I would DEF get a bigger tank, at least a 20 gallon!!

As for the feeding frozen, the only thing you can do is try! Some snakes are just VERY picky eaters and won't eat it, and it's also t he same way for going from f/t to live sometimes!

Also, if you don't have one yet, you need a digital thermometer and hydrometer for your tank, analog just isn't as accurate! Here is a thermostat that is REALLY good and from what I have seen used by a lot of snake keepers and its cheap at walmart for about $12! I also use it, and its great, just make sure you buy a pack of 'AA' batteries and keep it with it just in case!!! http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347