FranklinMorphs - I had the thermostat at the lowest possible setting when it got to 106. It doesn't have the temperature settings in numbers, just a 'u' shaped line that is green (cool) to red (hot). When I ordered it I thought that there were numbers on the control knob, but the picture was so small I couldn't tell. It also did not come with a thermometer, so I placed a digital thermometer sensor right next to it to measure the temp. I guess it's my fault for going with something from zoo med, I just didn't want to spend $130 on a herpstat that was for much higher wattages than I'll ever use, but that's what's needed then I'll order it.

Pit - I've had it set up so that the UTH kept the cool side hide at 82, and when used in conjunction with the 60 watt bulb, that side's ambient temp is 78 - 80 at night and 83 - 85 during the day. The hide is thick drift wood (picture a turtle shell shape) so without the UTH it does not warm up enough on the inside of that hide at night (has dropped as low as 76). The 100 watt bulb keeps the hot side hide between 85 - 87, and just outside it on the substrate is where the 90* hot spot is. There will also be a moist hide on the hot side and a 4th hide in the center of the tank (not under either light or on UTH) near the water bowl that will match the fluctuating temps once we get the snake home and see how big he is.

Dave - both light fixtures are the ones with dimmers, the problem is that this time of year the house is 75 one day and 66 the next. I have been able to maintain perfect temps either way, but I have to be home to do that. Right now, I have to turn the dimmers down around noon when the house is the warmest then back up as the as house cools around 10pm. It'd just be nice if I have a machine do this for me. Once winter actually kicks in the house temps will be much more stable, but there will always be nights that get super cold and windy and my heat will struggle to maintain 68*. I don't want to have to wake up every few hours to do temp checks. (Believe me when I say that I would if necessary, but surely a thermostat can do that much).

I've read that ball pythons can stress if they feel exposed, so there is going to be multiple hides to choose from, plus plants, rocks, and branches to climb on and clutter up the open space. Both Ball Pythons I fostered did great in this same kind of set up, ate weekly, were active every couple of nights, and very friendly; so I figure as long as I keep the stress down, the bigger tank is ok