Rank novice needs advice before making mistakes!

[CALM Pythons]

This is fantastic information!

Well, the glass terrarium is out. I was really only interested in that because they had smaller sizes and, like I said, I heard that baby pythons are "stressed" in larger enclosures.

So it looks like the the animal plastics is the way to go. A T8 at 12" tall seems a bit low for climbing, maybe a T10 is better. I'd even go to a T11, but would that be too hard to heat, do you think?

I'm not rich, but I don't see cost as a serious obstacle in this endeavor. The important thing to me, is to treat the animal with respect, and provide the best possible living conditions.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions! This forum is going to be invaluable! I'm glad I joined.

There is a big price jump over the T10.. I have (2) T12's on order now. I have $40 LED lights being installed and with Shipping & LED'S they are $427.
You don't have to go higher than a T10 for them to climb on pvc. They like being off the ground period. So mount it at a angle, start it at 2" off the ground and go to the ceiling (13" inside Hight) of the Cool side (that way no heat panel there). As you see in my pic mine also goes to the back wall of enclosure ...thats at about 1/2 way across so its a bit higher than the low side.
Id say save money if you need to and go with the T10, if you want to spend money on a enclosure for a lifetime, grab the T12. Your call. But twice the money is a lot and he will be just as happy in T10.
If you did go up to a T12 you need the Pro Panel P12 instead of the P3. Make sure you order the correct panel for the size so decide what your getting before ordering. Also Zina mentioned the temp in your house. Thats what RHP are for, cooler rooms ect...they work better than someone that heats there rooms to 75+. So RHP is the best route for us Colder weather climates.