Thanks gang...I ran over to the store and picked up a 30-40 gallon terranium UTH....it doesn't have any options to regulate heat though...I placed it under the tank and put the water bowl slightly on it to create some humidity. I also picked up a temp and humidity gauge...where should I place that in the tank? on the light side or on the darker side?

I will buy another hide tomorrow and keep chipping away. By the way, I filled the water bowl up with fresh water and he came slithering along to have a fresh drink almost immediately...not sure if that is a good sign or not...can't believe how calm and passive this snake is. Being my first snake I expected a lot more distrust, but I have been calm and slow and he doesn't seem to mind me at all. I hope that's a good sign too.

thanks...let me know what else I can do.