New ball python help?

[AK907]

My local reptile breeder told me to get a 40 gallon tank and use a heating pad and a heating lamp. With 2 hides and a water bowl& newspaper as substrate. Is this a good set up for him?

It will work, but it is probably overkill. If you insist on a tank setup, a 20L might be a little more appropriate for your snake's size. Balls do not always do better in larger enclosures. They generally prefer more intimate quarters. Tanks can be a pain sometimes to regulate heat and humidity as well, but they are usually more aesthetically pleasing than tubs. Heat lamps will suck all the humidity out of your tank as well, so be prepared to work at keeping your humidity up. Constant misting and damp towels or aluminum foil over most of the screen lid will help. Also placing your snake's water bowl over its UTH can help raise humidity.

AKedit: Newspaper works just fine as a substrate. Paper towels are good too. Cheap, readily available and easy to clean up.