I'm a new bp owner and here's what I've found and done:
A tank with a screened lid is the absolute worst to start with. Keeping the heat was fairly easy, but I could never ever keep the humidity stable and it was much harder to control. Basically I was stressed all day worrying about it! At the last reptile show I purchased a plastic enclosure with a front opening door, no screened top and it has back vents. It's basically a plastic tub but more attractive. Try to look for something like that at the next show! The only thing you have to worry about it keeping your room a good temp (I have a heater).
Getting a front opening tank really made my bp feel more secure.
Thermostats will save your sanity.
A temperature gun is very useful.
Day and night lights are unnecessary and opening a window can help regulate day/night (don't let light shine directly in so it doesn't heat the tank up too hot).
Ball pythons are very sensitive and you will know if they are not happy with their enclosure. Security is important.
You may have to try live. Before that make sure they've been eating reliably (IMPORTANT) and eating f/t. It could take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month until they eat. Don't try too much if they don't, wait 5-7 days to try again. TIPS: ask your breeder what size you should get. Then get that size. When thawing, I put mine in a Ziploc and then put it in a cup of lukewarm water with a lid. Wait 30 minutes. Then I switch the water to hot water from the faucet (not burning) and soak for 30. To get my bp to eat I had to brain the mouse, which was cut it's head open and pinch out brain matter (ew I know). After that I blow-dry until my temp gun reads around 115/120 and by the time I give it it has cooled to a good temp. Mochi takes it right away. Braining it what got him to eat!
I feed Mochi in his enclosure. My mouse isn't wet so substrate doesn't stick very much. Also he's never bitten me. However he's like the sweetest snake ever, I can't see him even trying.
My bp is a banana lesser and he's ADORABLE! Bananas are also my fave, but the breeder, price, and personality will influence your decision a lot.
You're going to try a lot of different things until you get it down! I honestly have a notebook and whiteboard dedicated to my snakes because it's a lot of info. You'll get it!
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