Please make sure to get a thermostat too, not just a thermometer. Thermostats control the UTH and make sure it doesn't get too hot. An unregulated UTH can reach well over 100 degrees which can burn a snake. I recommend the Jumpstart thermostat. You can get it on Amazon! It's pretty easy to use: plug it into the UTH, plug it into the wall, and the set what temperature you want. For example, if you set the thermostat to 90 degrees, it will turn off the heat mat when it reaches over 91 degrees and turn it back on when the heat mat gets under 89 degrees.
One water bowl is plenty. I have mine right in the middle of the enclosure. Try to get one that is somewhat heavy so it can't be knocked over easily.
Day/night lights are not needed. A ceramic heat emitter (CHE) is what I recommend using. It's a bulb that only produces heat and no light. Some light bulbs can be too harsh for ball pythons so it's better to just use one that only puts off heat.
Your plan for covering the enclosure sounds great! I used some leftover black fabric for my enclosure (it's taped to the outside of the glass).
I'm glad to hear that you plan on letting your ball python settle in for a week before handling it. After that about 3 times per week is sufficient. Just be sure to wait at least 48 hours after your snake eats before handling it. Otherwise it may regurgitate its meal.
You seem very responsible and I think that you are going to do great with your ball python. I love to see people ask a lot of questions before buying one!
Oh and like Zincubus said, definitely get your ball from a breeder. Often times ball pythons at pet stores aren't very well taken care of so many of them are sick or don't eat or have mites. It's better to spend a bit more for a high quality python that doesn't have eating issues.
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