Start here.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet
I'm guessing you do not have a thermostat on the uth?
You can use either a lamp or uth. A uth needs a thermostat to regulate it. You can use either as long as it gives you the correct temps.
The hide needs to be snug to the snake with one door.
Misting with a spray bottle is widely used but we can give you other tips if you have a problem with it stating low. I suggest using cypress mulch to help this too.