Please help a Mom figure out how to care for this snake...

[Mike41793]

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

Yes, you need a t-stat for any UTH. If left on its own, it can spike up high to temps that could burn the snake. I would suggest a basic herpstat, that is the brand I like best, but if you're looking to for the cheapest route, check out this one: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-Star.../dp/B0047KKOMI

with the thermostat, it wont apply power to the UTH if the desired temperature is reached already. there is a probe to tell it that the temp is all good. so at sunset the UTH just wouldn't be on, if it got that hot.

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.

no, the UTH with the t-stat will be plenty. And yes, that is a dangerous scenario. Those bulbs get super hot and could easily start a fire if knocked over, worst case scenario.

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.

Ditch the carpet. that stuff is a breeding ground for bacteria. If you want a layer on the bottom just use newspaper and replace it whenever its soiled, but its not necessary to have that base layer. Make sure the shavings you're using aren't cedar or pine, they can be harmful to the snake. You want aspen, cypress, coco husk, or kiln dried pine.

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?

There is, especially if you're using a cheaper t-stat. To minimize risk i would elevate the tank with furniture feet pads or something like that. anything to raise the tank an eight or quarter inch up to allow air flow.

Hope this helps!