Hi everyone...

My 9 yr old son asked for, and received, a corn snake as a pet almost three years ago. "Razor" has done well, but I'm pretty sure we're not doing what we're supposed to be, in regards to heating, etc. Please be gentle...I agreed to this snake, not realizing how involved they were and I didn't want to back out once I had told him he could have one. I realize we may not have been the best snake owners up to date, but I'd like to do better. Which is why I'm here.

The snake is in a tank that sits on top of our science table. I think it's maybe a 20 gallon? But I'm terrible with dimensions so I'm not sure. The room she is in is actually one of the colder rooms in our house. It gets pretty chilly in there in the winter, but I am unwilling to move her to the boys' room because...7, 8 and 9 yr old boys. I can almost guarantee she'd end up somewhere in the house.

Up until now, we've used a tank heater light bulb that sits right on top. There's a thermometer in there but I'm pretty sure it's not entirely accurate. I was initially using that reptile carpet for the bottom, but we've since changed to the snake shavings that Petco sells (I do not know what they are called...aspen?).

We have a larger tank to transfer her to...maybe 30 gallons? I also have a Reptitherm UTH (30-40 gallon size). I've had it for awhile but do not know how to set it up and this is where I need help, lol.

1) Do I need a thermostat for this UTH? If so...please recommend one that is a) not too pricey and b) adjusts automatically. In other words, I do not want just a dimmer. In the summer...the snake tank can get quite warm when the sun is setting, as it shines in through the window and hits the tank. I would prefer a thermostat that will adjust accordingly, because my 9 yr old won't remember every day, to go in there and turn her light/heater off during the sunset.

Is this what I'm looking for? http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiT...med+thermostat

2) Is the UTH enough of a heat source? Or do I still need the heat bulb that sits on top? I would really like to not need that on top heat source as it gets pretty hot and the kids sometimes knock it over.

3) Should I add that reptile carpet back in, on top of where the UTH is placed? And then add the snake shavings on top of the carpet? In the past, when we used the carpet, the snake would manage to slide herself underneath it anyways, so I'm not sure it's going to help prevent burns anyways.

4) Given that our snake's tank rests on top of a table, what do we need to consider when placing the UTH? Eventually, my husband plans on building a stand but...it's a project that is on the bottom of a very long list of projects. So for awhile, the tank will remain on top of the table. I'm assuming we must elevate it to allow for the pad? Will the pad damage the table? Is there a fire risk?

5) Is there anything else I need to know/consider?

Thanks for your help and advice and suggestions! I really appreciate it!