Read over this ball python caresheet thoroughly and follow it, and you won't go wrong! https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...s%29-Caresheet
All heat sources can burn or kill snakes, not just UTH. Which is why you need a thermostat to plug your heat source into, and regulate the temps. Thermostats are REQUIRED equipment.
Here's a tub setup guide, if you're willing to use a tub. I pretty much followed these two things when I started out, and it cleared up a lot. Also tubs are much better at maintaining heat and humidity than a glass tank. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...e-Basics-*DUW*