I just randomly decided to go with a UTH over heat tape. http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiT...er+tank+heater

This one works well? :o

I'm hoping for a ball from a hobbyist breeder that is around a year old... but I may not be able to get that. :s I may contact some hobbyist breeders through facebook, find a ball selling through this forum, or faunaclassified? I'm not even totally sure where to go yet, so not sure on the size... hopefully a year old though with a chill temperament and settled feeding habit as first snake.

Velcro tape for securing the lid? I've read that it's a good idea for smaller escapey snakes. Is it not necessary for BP?

I've thought about a rack, but I'm 95% sure as of now that I will stick to one or two snakes total. If that changes... I'll decide in the future. =)

And thanks for the reply, Eric!