new BP owner with questions

[PitOnTheProwl]

uh oh, u best unplug the undertank heater until u can get a thermostat to hook it up to regulate temps. u don't want to burn your new BP.

No UTH to regulate

Ball pythons need more belly heat than overhead heat.

And as mystic moon said, a uth with a thermostat is much better for BP's than lamps. Congrats on your new pet!

Proper ambient heat is just as good as belly heat. It has been proven by many many many keepers that have huge collections.
All other recommendations are on point.
Do yourself a favor and get a non contact thermometer, this will let you get your surface temperatures easily and quickly.
You still need to know ambients as well though.