New BP, first snake. Thought I was prepared. Heavens no! Lol.

[greenacid]

Hello all (: I'm Yae & recently made the jump to purchase a ball python. I've wanted a snake for as long as I can remember. After moving out of my mothers house I was able to acquire one. I did a fair amount of research and decided a ball python would fit my needs. Because I work at PetSmart I was able to see all of our BPs when they came in. Awaiting the perfect one. & 4 days ago I found him and brought him home. I THOUGHT I did all my research but now that he's here I find myself overwhelmed.


He's in a 10 gal aquarium (the Zilla tropical starter kit)
Out of it I'm using the tank, screen, clips, heat mat, spacers, and the temp/ hydro gauge
im not using the repticarpet, heat lamp, or the dome
Yoshi is on ReptiBark substrate
He has two hides. One on the cool end and one on the warm end
The cool end has moss inside of his hide and around the back corner to help keep humidity up (given I live in the desert)
he has a water dish (plastic dog dish) in the center of his tank
i mist his tank daily or anytime I see his humidity drop below 40%
i offered him a small mouse once, but he refused so I'm holding off for four more days.


He is REALLY active, even during the day which I've heard could be good, or bad. Either he's healthy and hungry, or uncomfortable & something's wrong. Which is correct?
Sunday I pick up an accurite thermometer and a probe therm to keep a better eye on his temps than the dial gauge. I know I need a thermostat to regulate the heat mat temp, can anyone recommend a good one? Until then I covered his warm spot with an inch + of ReptiBark & unattached it from the tank, plus added the spacers. I won't feed him until I can regulate the temp better.
I brought him home on the 18th when should I try feeding again? I feed f/t btw. Also would switching to a 20L be a bad idea? He seems to roam & explore, but then 10gal is so small. Plus I think I could get a better thermal gradient if the tank was larger but I don't want him to feel insecure. ANY & ALL advice is welcomed. Ill post pictures ASAP. Don't wanna handle until he eats (:

Search amazon for Hydro farm thermostat. 32 bucks. It's perfect. 20 gallon is fine. I have a 5 month old in one and he loves it. Being active during the day is ok, I noticed with my boy if I hold him in the afternoon, he will be active less in the evenings. As long as he eventually retreats to his hide, he'll be OK. Also make sure you have small hides for him. They need to touch all sides of it when curled inside.