first snake

[B.O.S Reptiles]

So i have always found snakes intriguing but my parents have never been okay with it so that dream had to wait. Well i have recently gotten an apartment and now am looking to get a snake. i have done quite a bit of research on them and believe myself to be ready. Because i have never owned a snake before i want a ball python due to how little maintenance they require compared to some other snakes. Someone i know had a 55 gallon glass tank with a locking lid that i was able to get and that's all i have so far. i have also contacted a friend of my mother and this is what i was recommended:

"I would go with a 100 watt basking bulb (Zoomed), Lamp fixture (Flukers). A mix of Eco earth bedding and Reptibark (zoomed) A large water dish big enough for the snake to fit in (Brand Doesnt matter) A large piece of driftwood for the hot side of the tank for basking (opposite the water dish) and your two thermometers for hot/cool side"

I want to provide my snake everything it needs to live a long and a happy life so does what i was told fit all the requirements for a ball python? i have done plenty of research and have more and more questions popping up in my head as I read more. will my tank be okay sitting on my hardwood floor or should i get a stand of some sorts? will a 100 watt bulb be enough for my snake? what are the general thoughts on CHE/UTHs? I know that two is the minimum for hiding spots, but should i get more?

I am not planning on purchasing the animal until my tank is set up fully and all my questions are answered to the point where i feel comfortable in my knowledge of how to care for a ball python.

Thank you in advance for all the help you guys can provide

1. I do not recommend a heat/basking bulb. Ball Python's need a good amount of humidity (55-70%) and the water vapor (humidity is water vapor) will essentially rise and be "baked" out of the enclosure. Therefore I recommend getting an under Tank Heater (A.k.a UTH/Heat mat). You will also want something called a thermostat. It controls the temperature of your hest source (I.E UTH, Heat lamp) to prevent over heating and under heating. I can link one if you'd like. Other than that it sounds like your enclosure should be fine. Things you will want to invest in to complete your setup
1. Thermostat
2. UTH
3. Thermometer/Hygrometer combo. (Look up Acurite Home Comfort Monitor)
And then you'll want to cover 3/4 of the mesh screen with something to keep in humidity. Hope this helps!

Erik