Quote Originally Posted by artgecko View Post
10gl screen cover (any rec's for one with sliding lid / locks?)
Thermostat / humidity gague ( Acu-Rite 00891A1 Indoor and Outdoor Thermometer with Humidity)
Infrared thermometer (Etekcity Temperature Gun Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer) *is this a good one?
UTH (I have NO idea what size or brand would be best...I"ve read it should cover 30% of tank bottom)
Fluorescent strip light on timer for day/night cycle (have one laying around somewhere)
UVB bulb? is is necessary
Bedding (I am unsure.. I'd like something very easy to spot clean... maybe something clumping sand based any recs?) I have tons of paper pellet style cat litter (I use for rodents) but I do not know if this is suitable
Cage carpet to go under bedding? (I've seen this rec'd in the BP section but not on any hog care sheets)
2 hides (unsure on size as I do not know the size of the snake we will get. any recs are appreciated on sizes that might work for various size hogs)
Climbing branch (thinking grape wood with a water-based poly coating so it's easy to clean) and rough rocks for shedding, plastic plants for cover, etc.
Don't mistake a thermometer for a thermostat. They are both necessary for a proper and safe enclosure, however the unit on your list is a thermoMETER.
A thermoSTAT (Herpstat, Helix, Ranco, Hydrofarm, etc.) controls the amount of energy emitted by your UTH. Without this, your snake can be exposed to temps upwards of 130F, which are far too hot for any snake species. The thermostat should be the highest quality aspect of your setup, and the best you can afford. Herpstats are regarded as the golden standard around here.

As for everything else, you're on the right track. Most people will say to steer clear of sand as substrate and opt for aspen, cypress, or even plain newspaper/paper towel if you're okay with forgoing aesthetics. You can also skip the UVB bulb and cage carpet for under substrate.