Hey everyone,

So I'm new to owning a Ball Python, I've got one thats staying with the breeder till I get my tank setup just right, for safety's sake. I really don't want to hurt her not being prepared.

This is what I've got going: I have a ten gal glass tank (and plan to upgrade to PVC once she gets bigger), three sides are covered as well as the screen top. I'm using an UTH on one side, water dish in middle and light at the top on the far side. I've got two different bulbs, a 50 watt blue bulb (that seems kinda bright to me) and a 75 watt dark blue night bulb and I haven't a clue which is better. The humidity in the tank has been perfect for the past week, but my temps seem kinda iffy. When the light is on it regulates around 80-85, but when I turn it off it drops instantly. And it doesn't seem the night bulb warms it up at all. I've been considering getting a heat cable, what do you guys think about those? Do you use them, recommend them?

I do plan on upgrading a lot of what I have (and don't) in the next few weeks, some of which I need is a new thermostat setup, temp gun and the acurite thermometer, because I've just got a cheap thermometer/humidity gage in the tank at present, but they "seem" to be reading about right.

Any advice would be wonderful. I just want to make sure she lives a wonderful happy life.

- Ash