This is about as cheap as you can go... Safely.

Thermostat, purchased online from Amazon.com: $32.00
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...ords=Hydrofarm.

Thermometer, Walmart- home improvement section <multiple temps + 'somewhat' accurate hygrometer>: $13.00

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acu-Rite-I...mometer/896347

Decent hygrometer, eBay.com: $6.99 <free shipping, I ordered 4>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brass-Analog...item20d4d56d8d

Heat lamp, Petco: $20

http://www.petco.com/product/111478/...ControlHeating

bulb for lamp, Petsmart: $13 for two

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...AvailInUS%2FNo

Lamp dimmer switch, Home Depot- Electrical by ceiling fans etc:
$10
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lutron-Cr...5#.Ufs7a8u9KK0

Temperature gun, Home Depot- electrical/ electricians tools department:
$30.00 . This is somewhat of a luxury item it i find invaluable.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Non...8#.Ufs8s8u9KK0

Black construction paper to blacken the sides and back of tank: $5? Dunno, I used fabric type shelf liner.


She needs a second hide, preferably identical to the other, on her cold side. If you are running a UTH with no regulation..... Order a thermostat ASAP!!! Unplug it immediately. Then run right down to Home Depot and get that dimmer switch so you can regulate temps now. You will need the thermometer from Walmart to help this. The probe goes under substrate utop the glass. Adjust the dimmer until you get down to about 88-90 degrees. Once you have the thermostat<a week to ship free unless you have an amazon prime acct in which case it takes 2-3 days>, it will do that work for you and the dimmer can go on the heat lamp.

A hiding ball python is a happy one.... Let her adjust and do her thing.